Marco Silva has a real job on his hands at Everton. Goodison Park has proven to be a harder nut to crack than the Portuguese’s previous jobs, and that doesn’t bode well. The Toffees have proven to be relentless in sacking managers if they aren’t up to snuff, and so far, Silva hasn’t been able to suggest that he is.
The potential is obviously there, but Everton have been treading water for a while, and at this stage, is he what they need? Or do they need someone proven instead?
One man that Everton have been linked with this week is Marcelo Bielsa by the Mirror, who the club are said to be considering as a potential replacement for Silva – stemming from his fine form at the helm for Leeds United.
However, whilst Bielsa is a good manager, he’d be yet another gamble for the Blues, given his lack of Premier League experience.
Maybe it’s time to go for someone with a little bit more proven quality, and they could find just that with a move for Rafael Benitez.
Benitez, meanwhile, would be a marriage of the proven quality that Big Sam offered whilst still retaining a certain degree of modernity.
Indeed, Benitez – who is currently leading Newcastle United – could prove to be the perfect addition. Most importantly for Everton at this stage, he’s a proven manager in England. During spells for Liverpool, Chelsea and now Newcastle, Benitez has consistently proven his worth as one of Europe’s best – and not only has he done it in England, but he’s done it across Europe. For too long, Everton have gambled on managers – they did with Roberto Martinez, they did with Ronald Koeman, and they have with Marco Silva. It’s clearly not working – and Benitez would break that mould.
Despite his familiarity with the league, however, he’s every bit as exciting as Everton’s current boss as far as playstyle is concerned. He’s always opted for a more offensive tactical setup, with a focus on pace, technique and skill, and that makes for very exciting watching. Sam Allardyce was effective, but when he left, few had complaints given his style of play. Benitez, meanwhile, would be a marriage of the proven quality that Big Sam offered whilst still retaining a certain degree of modernity.
Significantly, too, he could be available. His contract at Newcastle expires at the end of the season, and Mike Ashley doesn’t appear to be doing much to keep him at the club, at least from the outside. Everton have repeatedly backed their managers with big spending, and maybe under the Spaniard, they may start spending wisely too, given the manager’s excellent scouting awareness.
In truth, Benitez ticks all of the boxes for Everton. Reliable, exciting, potentially available – what’s not to love?
Thoughts?
