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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Matt C Jones

Rafael Benitez posts on Instagram for first time since Everton sacking statement

Rafael Benitez has posted on Instagram for the first time since his farewell statement following his Everton dismissal.

The coach was given his marching orders in January after overseeing a shocking spell of results, culminating in an embarrassing 2-1 loss to Norwich City.

Benitez initially allayed fears over his previous Liverpool loyalties by overseeing a strong start at Goodison Park, but a run of one win in 13 Premier League games left the Blues teetering about the relegation zone. Duncan Ferguson temporarily took charge against Aston Villa, before Frank Lampard was appointed as the permanent successor.

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Benitez posted after he was axed outlining the reasons for his struggles, referencing injuries and a lack of spending in the transfer window. And 11 weeks on, the 61-year-old sent his latest message, updating his followers on a new canine addition to his family.

"With dedication, experience and time you can achieve a good team," he said, sharing an image of himself and three dogs.

In a separate post on his blog, Benitez noted that the new dog Luna has joined the family after Goofy "left us." His other two dogs are called Clem and Siena; he described the former as the "veteran" and commended the latter on her "strength and stamina."

"Dedicating time and love to them we improve as a group and as a family," he continued.

Despite Benitez's departure, Everton remain in the relegation mire. Ahead of Wednesday's crunch clash with Burnley, the Toffees are just three points clear of the bottom three.

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