Jose Enrique has claimed that Rafael Benitez was the ‘wrong appointment for Everton’ because of his history with Liverpool.
The former Reds boss has endured a wretched start to his tenure at Goodison Park with the Toffees currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, having won just one of their last 10 games.
Enrique, who played for Liverpool between 2011-16 insists that whilst Benitez has a track record of success in management, he is facing the sack unless he turns the club’s form around quickly.
“From the start, it was the wrong appointment for Everton.” Enrique told BeMyBet
"If they were doing well no one would say anything but you can see as soon as the team started doing badly the fans are not with him, because of his Liverpool connections.
PHIL KIRKBRIDE : Seamus Coleman reaction said it all as Rafa Benitez and Everton face glaring problem
ADAM JONES: What Everton fans did should concern Rafa Benitez more than Richarlison reaction
"He’s a great manager, I love him, but it was the wrong decision from him to go to Everton.
"He’s happy in the city and his family live there, but with his past at Liverpool I wouldn’t have made that decision. You knew he would be under pressure every single season at Everton because the fans didn’t want him there from the start.
"If the team don’t improve he’s definitely going to get the sack. If it’s not this season, it will be the season after.
The fans are still yet to universally accept Benitez as their manager and the poor results have only worsened the situation.
Enrique is confident that if given time and money to spend the Spaniard can turn the club’s fortunes around, but feels fan pressure could ultimately force him out before he has a chance.
He added: "In the end the fans don’t want him there. The only way they will be convinced to have him stay, is if he wins something there, and I don’t see Everton winning anything. It’s going to be very difficult.
"He’s a great manager and he can turn it around. The only thing is whether the owners can handle the pressure from the fans. If they sack Benitez now the fans will be very, very happy - that’s the reality.
"Rafa has won everything as a manager and he knows what to do, so I’m sure he can handle the pressure. If you give him time he can build a team, like he did at Liverpool. But I don’t see that happening at Everton.”
