‘Doomed’ - former Liverpool midfielder’s ominous verdict on Rafa Benitez’s Everton future

The Toffees slumped to another disappointing defeat at Crystal Palace and the manager has come under more pressure from fans.
Everton manager Rafa Benitez. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesEverton manager Rafa Benitez. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Everton manager Rafa Benitez. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Rafa Benitez's future at Everton is 'doomed' - according to former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy,

The Goodison Park boss has come under intense pressure after another insipid result.

What’s been said

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The 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday meant Everton have won just once in their past 10 games and dropped to 14th in the Premier League table.

As a result, scrutiny over Benitez's position has intensified, with a growing number of fans calling for his head despite only arriving succeeding Carlo Ancelotti in the hot seat six months ago.

Danny Murphy, who had a brief spell under Benitez at Liverpool, can't see how the Spaniard will turn things around.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the ex-Fulham midfielder said: “He’s doomed. He doesn’t have the squad to pull it round.

Everton dejected after their 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace. Picture: ustin Setterfield/Getty ImagesEverton dejected after their 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace. Picture: ustin Setterfield/Getty Images
Everton dejected after their 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace. Picture: ustin Setterfield/Getty Images
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“He can’t take Everton to a level he needs to for the Evertonians to be happy with that squad.

“When he first went in there I thought from a footballing perspective, what he’s done before, it looked like a decent appointment.

“I forgot, not living in the area and not thinking about it, about the Liverpool connection and the things he said about Everton, it was always destined to end in turmoil.”

Bold decisions

Benitez's popularity among Evertonians has not been helped by the decisions he's made over two of the club's prized assets.

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And when Richarlison was substituted against Palace when a goal down, he didn't try to hide his frustrations with Benitez.

Everton left-back Lucas Digne in action. Picture:  Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesEverton left-back Lucas Digne in action. Picture:  Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Everton left-back Lucas Digne in action. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Will Rafa Benitez be sacked by Everton?

The Blues owner insisted the ex-Real Madrid manager will be given funds in the January transfer window to turn things around.

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Benitez is the sixth manager since Moshiri’s arrival in 2016 and is wary stability is now needed.

With director of football Marcel Brands, head of recruitment and development Gretar Steinsson and manager of scouting and operation Dan Purd all leaving their respective roles in the past week, it suggests Benitez will be given more power at Goodison when it comes to transfers.

Yet a defeat to Chelsea on Thursday will only strengthen supporters' claims for Moshiri to wield the axe.