Hutch backing Benitez to win over supporters
IT is testament to Rafael Benitez’s political abilities that he so successfully navigated the initial backlash to his appointment as Everton boss.
But the biggest test of this fragile truce between the former Liverpool manager and supporters comes with the start of a new season, and the first opportunity to judge him on football’s most important currency – results.
One of just seven men to represent both Merseyside clubs in the Premier League era, Don Hutchison believes that getting points on the board early will be vital if Benitez (right) is to win over Evertonians quickly.
He said: “The first five fixtures are not that hard on paper so it’s important that he gets off to a good start and you can’t really look beyond that Southampton game.
“The last thing he needs on the opening day of the season is for Southampton – the turmoil they’re in losing players left, right and centre – to come to Goodison and win. That would put Rafa under pressure straight away.”
Everton’s disappointing 10th-placed finish last term owed much to them returning the second-worst home league record in the club’s 143-year history.
But Hutchison expects Benitez’s attempts to remedy that issue to be aided by the return of the Toffees’ passionate supporters.
“The home form was a shambles last season, it’s unheard of that they’d be that bad at home,” he added.
“They’re an amazing set of fans to play for, when Goodison’s rocking it’s a great place to be and they get right behind their players and their manager. I think the fans will take to Rafa because it’s the first game and it doesn’t matter if you don’t want them in charge, you support your club and want them to do well.” MANAGER:
BIG SIGNING: