Report shares what Everton players have noticed in training since Rafa Benitez’s arrival

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Some of the elder members of the Everton first-team have already noticed the heightened intensity of training under Rafa Benitez compared to Carlo Ancelotti, per The Athletic.

Benitez returned to Merseyside to take charge at Goodison Park at the end of June, 11 years after leaving Liverpool. The Spaniard spent considerably longer at Anfield compared to Ancelotti in the Everton hot seat, who departed after 18 months rather than six years.

Everton were convinced they had the coach to take them back into Europe in Ancelotti, talkSPORT noted in March. But will now hope Benitez can do what the Italian could not, after slumping to a 10th-placed finish last season.

Benitez is adamant his Everton side will be in top condition for the Premier League curtain-raiser against Southampton, it seems. The 2005 Champions League winning coach has been working the socks off his players, at least compared to Ancelotti.

Some of the elder Everton players have noticed an increase in the intensity of training since Benitez’s arrival. Ancelotti’s work at Finch Farm was far less gruelling in comparison to the former Real Madrid and Newcastle coach’s approach.

One of the benefits of Benitez’s method will be that Everton will likely maintain their levels more consistently next season. The Toffees should not face any question marks over their stamina, particularly over the final stretch of the campaign.

Everton to fly out the blocks and maintain it under Benitez?

Everton flew out of the blocks under Ancelotti last season and will hope to repeat their strong start under Benitez. But it will be important for the Toffees to maintain their momentum for longer, after wasting last term’s early promise.

The Blues were still topping the table by October 29 last term and ended 2020 fourth, four points off first. But Everton’s 2021 form was the 10th-best of the 20 Premier League sides, claiming just 30 points over 23 games.

Everton also had the third-worst offensive record after the turn of the year, having scored just 21 goals. Only relegated duo Fulham (14) and Sheffield United (12) found the back of the net less often. Aspects Benitez will hope he can change after replacing Ancelotti.