‘I have to say’: Sam Allardyce has a pop as Everton seemingly close in on Rafa Benitez

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Sam Allardyce told Sky Sports News (28/06/21 at 9:10 am) that if he is labelled as a ‘defensive-minded coach’ then Everton’s potential new manager, Rafa Benitez, is ‘exactly the same’.

During Allardyce’s brief stint at Everton, he helped them to eighth place and a lot was made at the style of play he deployed at the club – and it wasn’t a pleasant reaction.

Fast forward to today, and less than a month after Carlo Ancelotti left Everton, it seems as though those in the Merseyside boardroom have opted to make the surprise move of bringing Benitez to their club.

And in his own typical way, Allardyce couldn’t help but have a pop at Everton going down the route of employing someone with similar methods to him.

“I have seen there are a lot of Everton fans unhappy about the situation because of the rivalry between (Liverpool) the two clubs,” said Allardyce.

“Rafa’s track record is very good, in terms of the time he has had as a manager. But I have to say, if you call me a defensive-minded coach then Rafa’s exactly the same as I am.

“He bases his performances on clean sheets and building from there and he has done that throughout his career.

“So, if they are talking about open and expansive football then I don’t think that’s the case with employing someone like Rafa. I think that will come eventually, depending on what players they let go and bring in.”

Benitez could be named as Everton’s new boss as early as tomorrow and it will be interesting to see the reaction it generates on Merseyside, as reported by BBC Sport.

If they do confirm him tomorrow then it will probably be overshadowed by the little matter of England locking horns with Germany at Euro 2020.

But either way, whatever happens, there will be serious pressure on Benitez from the off and he simply has to get off to a good start.

At his previous Premier League job with Newcastle, there wasn’t much to spend for the Spanish coach, but it might just be a little different this time around.