Sam Allardyce faces an uncertain future in charge of Premier League underachievers Everton with Newcastle United manager Benitez linked in October.
Rafa Benitez appeared to be heading back to Anfield this weekend with damage limitation at the front of his mind.
Instead of attacking Liverpool’s flimsy back line and taking inspiration from their impressive 1-0 win against Manchester United recently, the Magpies sat back and attempted, in vein, to soak up the pressure.
By the end of the game, Newcastle managed just 29 per cent possession, two shots and lost 2-0, with well taken goals from Mo Salah and Sadio Mane meaning they got nothing for their ultra defensive efforts.
The same could be said of Newcastle’s all-out pragmatism away to Manchester City just after Christmas. Benitez’s side showed next to no attacking intent for most of the game and lost 1-0.
So if Everton fans are sick of Sam Allardyce’s refusal to take the hand break off, the prospect of hiring Benitez should prove unpopular and not just because of his connections and clear adoration for Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
As reported by the Sun, Everton were keen on hiring Benitez in October after Ronald Koeman’s sacking, and the events since have done little to suggest he will be staying at Newcastle for the long term. Divisions with owner Mike Ashley remain clear and Everton would give the former Real Madrid boss the freedom in the transfer market he is desperate for.
But Benitez is, above all, a results man and is prepared to sacrifice the spectacle for three points. Newcastle have won just seven of 29 Premier League games this season, however, so it is clear that tactic is not exactly proving foolproof.
One of the biggest criticisms of Allardyce’s Everton reign is the club’s lack of attacking intent and freedom. Turning to Benitez with Allardyce’s future beyond this season uncertain could bring about the same frustrations.
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