Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Rafa can handle it says Kev
EVERTON legend Kevin Ratcliffe believes Rafa Benitez is strong enough to weather any Goodison Park storm.
The former Liverpool boss has taken a battering on social-media platforms in the aftermath of two successive home defeats, including a 5-2 humbling by Watford last week.
“Rafa has to have broad shoulders to take the flak and carry on,” said Ratcliffe (below).
“I think he is capable of doing that, otherwise he wouldn’t have taken the job. He knew the circumstances he was coming into, having to win the fans over, but he’s a top manager.
“Look at what he did at Newcastle, who were probably in a worse state than Everton find themselves in now.
“My only worry – and it proved the case with Carlo Ancelotti – is that, if a big job becomes available, he could go. We know that. “Newcastle would have him back given half a chance. He never does a bad job wherever he goes. He wasn’t my ideal choice because of his Liverpool history but, now he is here, I’m backing him.”
Ratcliffe believes any criticism at Everton, who face Wolves tomorrow, should be aimed at the club’s recruitment policy.
The 60-year-old, who made more than 400 appearances for the club, added: “Under David Moyes you felt Everton were getting value for money but over the past few years it’s been shocking.”
Ratcliffe says the two players Benitez did bring in – Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend – have been a couple of shining lights in a gloomy landscape.
“Gray and Townsend have been our best players,” he said. “And when you look at the bench, there are no real game-changers.”