Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
RAF AND READY
Under-pressure Everton boss sees derby as a big opportunity to kickstart a revival
ALREADY there is talk of defeat in tonight’s derby being catastrophic, the pain of local humiliation enough to get struggling managers sacked.
But Everton boss Rafa Benitez refuses to see it that way, despite the ominous form of a rampant Liverpool side who have scored an average of three goals in every Premier League game they’ve played so far this season.
For him, the Merseyside derby is an opportunity for fans to forget recent turmoil, to forget dismal performances, and even to forget a mistrust of their formerly Red manager.
Benitez knows the rivalry of the derby will get Blues fans, quick to turn on under-performing players in recent weeks, supporting their side. And that, he reckons, offers the perfect chance to turn Everton’s season around.
“I hope they will get behind us. It is a derby and I’m sure they will be behind the team,” he said. “The fans are crucial. They know how they can make the difference.
“You could see the atmosphere in the first game. When they were behind the players, the team was reacting.
“I think they will realise how important they are for the players. It is a massive game for us. We are on a bad run and need to start winning – and a derby is a big opportunity to put things right.”
That brings so much pressure, of course, especially against a side who have made short work of struggling opponents this season.
But Benitez has always been defiant as a manager; courageous too. And he says he feels no fear about the prospect of facing his former club in such form.
“I am really conscious of what the Merseyside derby means to everyone and excited because I want to do well,” he said.
“It is really important to bring back the confidence and play at the level we were playing at the beginning of the season. This game gives us that opportunity.
“If we do it on Wednesday, then I don’t need to say anything to the players about how important it is. It will be massive for everyone and a crucial point for us in terms of bringing back confidence.”
The fans didn’t see it that way at the weekend, booing Everton in their dismal 1-0 defeat at Brentford and abusing the players at the end. Everton’s last win came in September, against Norwich City.
But Benitez was measured and calm as he told the Blues supporters they should acknowledge the effort of the Everton players even if they know results aren’t good enough. “We have to be sure we continue supporting the team, we continue pushing,” he said. “If the players are not playing well, or the tactics or not good enough, you can complain about that.
“But you cannot complain about the commitment of the players, the desire or the effort. I am sure we will do better, especially in the second half of the season.”