Former Scotland striker has called for Everton to be patient regarding Rafa Benitez’ tenure at Goodison Park.
The Spaniard has come under increased pressure in recent weeks following a string of disappointing results.
Without a win in four, the 61-year-old will be hoping for a positive result when the Toffees welcome a Tottenham side under Antonio Conte to Merseyside this weekend.
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie urged the club to remain calm over their Spanish manager.
You have to give Benitez the season. You can’t judge him now. This isn’t his team, they spent next to nothing in the summer. Look how much Ancelotti spent while he was there. It’s currently his squad still at Everton. They should have a fair bit more to spend in January. Let Rafa splash out and bring his own players in and then judge him. Yeah, it’s not been amazing so far but who thought it would be? It’s a project that needs a steady leader. Yeah, it’s not been amazing so far but who thought it would be?
Benitez signed Andros Townsend, Andy Lonergan, Asmir Begovic and Salomon Rondon on free transfers during the summer whilst Demarai Gray arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for £1.7million (BBC).
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Benitez is currently bearing the brunt of years of misspending.
Despite being dealt the worst hand of recent managerial appointments, the Spanish boss will ultimately be the fall guy if results don’t improve sooner rather than later.
If any funds can indeed be made available in January, Benitez should be given the opportunity to improve a decimated squad.
