Carragher urges Everton to appoint Liverpool hero as boss

Joe Williams
Jamie Carragher Everton
Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher has urged Everton to appoint former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.

Ancelotti, who joined the Toffees on a four-and-a-half-year contract in December 2019, has replaced Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

The 61-year-old Italian, who previously managed Real between 2013 and 2015, guiding the club to a 10th European title, has agreed a three-year contract.


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France legend Zidane resigned last week following Los Blancos’ failure to win any silverware last season.

Ancelotti guided Everton to a 10th-placed finish last season and now leaves them looking for a sixth permanent boss in five years.

On announcing the news the Merseyside club said: “Everton would like to place on record its thanks to Carlo for his service to the club over the past 18 months.

“The club will begin the process of appointing a new manager immediately and will provide updates in due course.”

David Moyes has already been linked with a return to Goodison Park but reports suggest he is still close to signing a new three-year contract with West Ham, while former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has also been mooted.

Benitez, who guided Liverpool to their famous 2005 Champions League triumph, is another name floating about and Carragher thinks his former boss would be great for Everton.

Rafa Benitez Liverpool

“Rafa is available, settled in the area and I am sure he is ready if Moshiri is prepared to consider one of the more shocking managerial appointments in Merseyside football history,” Carragher wrote in The Telegraph.

“At the very least, Benitez should be under consideration as [Farhad] Moshiri begins yet another managerial quest. And not for the first time, before the owner decides the right candidate, he has to be clear of the football direction he wants to take.

“As an outsider looking into any club’s recruitment process, it is confusing and worrying when you hear so many candidates mentioned who are different in terms of their personality and playing style.

“With Ancelotti, Everton pursued the tried-and-tested, proven experienced manager and stellar name. If that is what Moshiri still wants, Benitez is an obvious candidate.”

On leaving the club, Ancelotti told Everton’s website: “I would like to thank the board of directors, the players, and the Evertonians for the tremendous support they have all given me during my time at the club.

“I have complete respect for everyone associated with Everton and hope they can achieve the exciting opportunities they have in front of them.

“While I have enjoyed being at Everton I have been presented with an unexpected opportunity which I believe is the right move for me and my family at this time.”