Rafael Benitez press conference: James out, Richarlison in, five players isolating

Rafa Benitez has spoken to the media ahead of his first Premier League game as Everton manager and we have picked out five key bits of information you need to know.

The Toffees open their 2021-22 Premier League season against Southampton to Goodison Park on Saturday.

James speculation addressed

Much of the summer has been dominated by James Rodriguez’s potential exit.

The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich playmaker has reportedly been told he’s not in Benitez’s plans and can find a new club.

Rodriguez will miss the clash with Southampton as he’s one of five players isolating due to COVID-19 protocol.

But Benitez remained tight-lipped about the Colombian’s Goodison future.

The Spaniard said: “I have had my conversation with him at the beginning and he knows my idea.

“Now he’s not available so it’s not an issue for tomorrow. We will discuss every single player with them, with their agents and try to find the best solution for the players.

“Some players are in isolation with Covid around and he is one of them.

“As a manager, people don’t remember the names of the players if you lose games. They remember the names if you win games and, as a manager, you try to put names on the pitch who win games.

“I’m not checking popularity or how many followers they have on social media. They have to do a job.

“Evertonians are always looking for players who’ll give everything on the pitch and give everything for the shirt to try to win.

“I understand the fans want to see the best players possible to win the game. He is one of them, we have Richarlison, Dominic (Calvert-Lewin) and anyone I can name. They have to be good players on the pitch.”

Plans for Richarlison

Everton have been handed a massive boost by the unexpected return of Richarlison.

The striker appeared set for a break after his busy summer, having helped Brazil reach the Copa America final before inspiring his country to Olympic gold in Tokyo.

However, Richarlison was welcomed back to USM Finch Farm earlier this week.

The former Watford forward is in contention to face Southampton, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also recovered from a toe injury that sidelined him for the 4-0 pre-season thrashing at Manchester United last Saturday

But Richarlison will be carefully managed throughout the season so he doesn’t suffer burnout.

“Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are available,” said Benitez.

“We have some players who are in isolation and we have to manage that.

“Obviously, if you analyse the stats, he was scoring goals with Dominic and is a very important player for us.

“When he wanted to go to the Olympics, we weighed up the pros and the cons and decided it would be a good opportunity for him to get silverware. He won the medal and is very happy.

“He knows we need him now and he knows we’ll try to manage his time off and his holidays to ensure he recovers quickly.

“At the moment, he’s fine, has been training well and is keen to help the team.

Financial fair play

Much has been made about Everton being constricted by financial fair play rules (FFP) during the summer.

With the Toffees making significant losses in the past few years, it means money is tight despite a squad overhaul being required.

Benitez accepted Everton are being governed by such restraints.

He said: “The reality is a lot of clubs are spending some money and you have to manage that.

“FFP rules are there, we have to follow them and try to do it. It’s something we have to consider every time.

“We have to bring the best from our players and are thinking about the strength of the squad.”

Update on incomings

Everton’s business in the summer transfer window has been somewhat subdued, with only Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic arriving so far.

While Benitez wants to bolster his squad, he admits he’ll have to do it towards the end of the window, which closes on Tuesday, August 31.

He said: “I’m sure if you asked the majority of the managers, they want to improve and strengthen the squad.

“It’s still early and we have to wait until the end of the transfer window.

“But I’m happy with the way the players are training and working. Hopefully we can replicate that on the pitch.”

Covid-19 troubles

Benitez wouldn’t name the players who are isolating because of Covid regulations.

But with Moise Kean, Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Andre Gomes missing the friendly defeat to Manchester United, the manager didn’t deny the trio are currently unavailable.

“We have five players in isolation. I’ll not name too many players because it’s better not to do it,” Benitez said.

“You can guess but we have some names who will not be available for tomorrow.

“The main concern for me is the rules around the country. Everyone can do what they want around the country and we have some issues but it is what it is and we have to manage it the best possible way.

“We’re making an effort and have some control but it’s very difficult to have full control when everybody around has some freedom.”