Last update on. From the section EvertonBenitez was last in charge of the Premier League at Newcastle in June 2019.Everton has appointed Rafael Benitez, a former Liverpool manager, as their new manager.The Spaniard, 61 years old, has signed a three year contract and will succeed Carlo Ancelotti who resigned in June to go back to Real Madrid.Benitez said, "I am thrilled to be joining Everton.""I believe that this club is on the right track to success. "I'm determined to play a major role in helping this club reach its goals."Benitez was last in charge of the Premier League at Newcastle United in June 2019.After 18 months of being in charge, he moved to China to become the coach at Dalian Professional FC. He left them in January.Everton says Benitez will "return to pre-season training starting on 5 July"According to the club, he was hired after a thorough and extensive recruitment process that spanned three weeks. This process included multiple interviews with many candidates.Farhad Moshiri, Everton majority shareholder, said that Rafa impressed them greatly with his knowledge, experience, but most importantly, the passion and hunger that he displayed to join our club.We are pleased to appoint Rafa as our Evertonians' manager because we know he will bring success to the club. Simply put, we must be at the top of the league and winning trophies."Rafa has a track record of success and is an international coach with a lot of experience. We have found the best man to do that for us."Gerard Houllier was replaced by Benitez as Liverpool manager in June 2004, and he led them to Champions League, FA Cup and European Cup victories.Historic moveIn an historic and controversial move Benitez joined William Edward Barclay as the sole man to manage both Everton and Liverpool clubs.Prior to his signing, Everton fans were not happy about the idea of Benitez managing the club. Benitez, then Liverpool boss, called the Blues "small club" after a 0-0 draw at Anfield in February 2007.Although Benitez claimed he made "a mistake", he was referring to David Moyes' approach, not Everton as an organization. However, his comments have not been forgotten by many in the blue side of Merseyside.A number of banners were displayed outside Goodison Park in protest at Everton’s decision to grant Benitez citizenship. Merseyside Police are currently investigating a banner that said "We Know Where Your Live - Don’t Sign", which was intended for Benitez.From 2004 to 2010, Benitez was Everton's manager of Liverpool rivals.Moshiri said, "I am aware that the past few weeks have been difficult for our supporters. I would like to thank them all for their patience during this process.""Hopefully, now we can all come together and feel confident about our plans both on and off the field. There are exciting times ahead, and I want supporters to know that I am fully committed to achieving our goals.After Everton's initial interest, Nuno Espirito Sante, former Wolves boss, was the favourite. Benitez was in pole position for two weeks after holding several rounds of negotiations.Benitez, who remained in the region even after leaving Liverpool in 2010 was keen to go back to the Premier League.After the warm reception he received in November 2012 when he became Chelsea's interim manager following a long and intense rivalry at Liverpool, he is not afraid to walk into hostile environments.Although he was mocked when he was given the charge of his first match at Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard ended up being a huge success. They won the Europa League and were third in the Premier League.Former Napoli and Real Madrid boss, he joins Everton's side that finished 10th in Premier League under Ancelotti.Everton will begin their 2021-22 season home to Southampton on the 14th of August.In the next few days, the club will confirm who will be joining Duncan Ferguson and Alan Kelly in Benitez's backroom staff.
