Benitez reacts to Everton cup defeat; confirms James talks
Rafa Benitez says Everton need to be ‘strong in defence’ after their Carabao Cup defeat to QPR.
The third round tie ended 2-2 after normal time, with QPR going on to progress via penalties.
Tom Davies had his spot-kick saved by Seny Dieng, allowing Jimmy Dunne to make it 8-7 and send the Championship club through.
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Reacting to the defeat, Benitez told Everton TV:“The most difficult thing to improve, normally, is in attack because it depends on the quality of players, but we are creating chances, so I am sure we will score goals.
“But in defence we have to be more aware of what is going on around and be sure we defend as a team. Be strong in defence and that will give you the possibility to win games.
“You have to take momentum from being a solid team.
“I think the way we played, the intensity of the game, the attitude of the players to come back twice…so many things we did well, in terms of what we are expecting from the team.
“It is a pity we didn’t take the chances in the final third and in the other box we conceded goals maybe we could have avoided.
“In the penalty shootout, we did everything we have to – scoring goals, young players, everyone – so, overall, I think it is a pity. We deserved to win.”
Benitez has provided an update on the injuries sustained by Andre Gomes and Lucas Digne.
“It was a little problem with the calf for both. I don’t expect they will be very serious,” he said. “But just in case it was best to be cautious with that.”
The Spaniard was asked about 30-year-old playmaker James Rodriguez. Reports on Monday revealed he was in talks with an unnamed Qatari side over a permanent transfer.
Benitez said: “To be fair, I don’t have too much information.
“I know he is already there (Qatar). Maybe in the next couple of days we will have some more information.”
Benitez was also asked about the prospect of Rodriguez featuring in Everton’s next game. He responded: “Very difficult.”
