Everton released footage of Rafa Benitez’s post-match interview following their defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday night via their official Twitter channel, which had a number of Toffees fans talking.
The Spaniard suffered a first defeat as Everton manager after being forced into multiple changes prior to the Villa Park clash. Regulars Jordan Pickford, Seamus Coleman and Richarlison all missed the 3-0 defeat through injury and are set to be sidelined for two to three weeks.
Quickfire goals from Matty Cash, a Lucas Digne own goal and Leon Bailey sealed the three points for the hosts.
After the match, Benitez shared his thoughts on the loss to Dean Smith’s side and his team's injuries and looked ahead to fixtures against Queen’s Park Rangers and Norwich, with his comments available to view here.
Everton fans react
Everton posted the interview with Benitez on their official Twitter channel and here is what these Toffees supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling his comments as ‘shocking’ and others venting at the club's board over a quiet summer transfer window given the recent spate of injuries.
“Pace and power? What game did you watch? Shocking”
“When everyone is fit - great, but to enter the season with such a weak squad is unforgivable. FFP is a pain yes, but we have loaned two decent squad players and could have brought in free transfers. Where is the backup on key positions?”
“Our board are a shambles”
“Phenomenal”
“Admittedly there were some key players missing but that performance today was shocking. Villa destroyed us, struggling to identify any positives for Everton... The team lacked heart, focus, ability... I could go on. We urgently need some class players...”
“We haven’t played badly until they scored imo. People blaming Rafa for our 1st defeat and the fact is his key players are injured while Dean Smith has Bailey and Buendia on the bench! 10 points after 5, be satisfied with that ”
In other news: 'Sack Marcel Brands', 'We're going down' - Lots of Everton fans fume as injury update emerges.