BENITEZ IS BUILDING A HAPPY HOME

RAFA BENITEZ wants to make Goodison Park “a fortress” with the help of Everton fans. The Toffees endured their worst Premier League home campaign last season, losing nine times, and the second worst in their proud history. They badly missed playing in front of their supporters and Benitez wants to make Goodison a ground opposition teams dread again. It was bouncing once more on Monday night when Everton scored three times in six minutes to beat Burnley 3-1 and move level on points with leaders Manchester United. Benitez

Doucoure after Monday’s game) is winning over his critics in the stands and wants to harness the support to make his side formidable at home.

“I’m really pleased with the connection between the team and the fans and we are looking to build a fortress here,” said the former Liverpool boss.

“What the fans want is a team that gives everything and they can see that every day.

“The players of last year, maybe they were not performing at the level.”

Everton’s comeback was the second time they have come from behind to win in their four Premier League games under Benitez.

They managed to do this just twice in their last 59 matches, which speaks volumes about the difference he has made in the dressing room.

“That’s really important,” said Benitez. “You told me it had been a long time that the team had not been reacting and we have done that twice now in front of the fans.

“That’s what you expect from a team that cares. They show the commitment in every game, against Burnley was the same.

“Even when we were losing, you could see how they worked, how hard they tried.”