Everton club captain Seamus Coleman has offered his thoughts on the appointment of Rafa Benitez as Everton’s new manager.
Looking ahead to the future, the 32-year-old Donegal native acknowledged the disappointing climax to Everton’s 2020/21 campaign as he looked ahead to a new future under Rafa Benitez.
Joining the club from Sligo Rovers in 2009, the Irishman’s career is deeply interwoven with the fabric of the club’s recent history and is no stranger to new appointments in the dugout.
As quoted by Everton Blue Army (@EvertonBlueArmy) on Twitter, the Toffees skipper offered a frank and honest opinion on his new boss, showing an acute awareness of Benitez’ history with the Blues’ arch-rivals.
“Ultimately, you’ve got to understand big Everton supporters and that rivalry, but on the other hand, the decision is made”, evaluated Coleman as he spoke to On The Ball.
“The manager has managed Liverpool, but in the meantime, he has been to manage a lot of different clubs.”
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Coleman is understandably tactful with his choice of words – after all, he will need to enjoy a positive working relationship with Benitez for the foreseeable future.
The long-serving veteran right-back has seen vast swathes of tacticians come and go through the gates of Goodison Park and will be well-versed in the managerial roundabout at the club.
However, the most reassuring segment is Coleman’s discussion of Benitez’ past.
The issue is clearly a pressing concern for many fans uncomfortable with the idea of an ex-Reds man taking the reins of Everton’s on-field future.
To downplay the importance of his Liverpool connections is to serve as a figure of reassurance for the Everton faithful as the club looks ahead to next season.
