Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy believes Rafa Benitez’s dismal spell at Everton and the nature of his Newcastle United exit may have cost him a fresh start at Leeds, speaking to talkSPORT (22 February, 11am).
Over the last four months or so, Aston Villa, Wolves, Bournemouth, Southampton and Brighton have all brought in new managers. And it’s telling that Benitez never seemed close – or even in contention – for any of the aforementioned jobs, despite boasting a CV that most top-flight coaches could only dream of.
Leeds, meanwhile, handed the reigns to one-time Watford boss Javi Gracia on Tuesday; the 52-year-old signing a short-term deal at Elland Road after Leeds missed out on their top targets Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot.
Once again, Benitez was conspicuous by his absence; ‘on standby’ for a top-flight job, according to the Daily Mail, but never really close to getting one.
Why did Leeds United not go for Rafa Benitez?
And Murphy, who worked with the 62-year-old briefly at Liverpool, believes that the 2005 Champions League winner is paying the price for how things turned out in his most recent Premier League roles.
“I think maybe his day is done,” Murphy explains. “I think the way he left Newcastle for China, the way he did at Everton… Maybe they are thinking he’s done.”
There is, of course, mitigating factors behind that dreadful six-month Everton stint. The 62-year-old felt set up to fail from day one at Goodison Park. His Liverpool past was a major bone of contention amongst the Toffees support. Furthermore, Benitez was made to pay for the failings of his predecessors, spending just £1.7 million in the summer of 2021 at a time in which he was hoping to put his stamp on an unbalanced and underperforming squad.
But, still, much more was expected of a man with his reputation and experience.
Will West Ham turn to the former Real Madrid boss?
Benitez, most recently, has been linked with relegation-threatened West Ham. Former England international Darren Bent, however, believes that the Hammers would be better off sticking with what they know.
“They are talking about David Moyes being on the brink, and I can understand it because their results have not been good,” Bent says.
“(But) you look at the last time they were in trouble. Who did they turn to? David Moyes. So, I think you are better off just sticking with him until the end of the season.
“(West Ham) finished seventh last year. I know they’re struggling but they played a lot of games last year, with the European stuff. They are still in a great position to win the UEFA Conference League. I get that their form is not great, but I would probably stick with David Moyes until at least the end of the season.
“(Benitez) would probably do it. It’s a fresh voice, he’s got pedigree and he’s won big trophies. So (hiring Benitez) would make a bit of sense.
“But, to sack David Moyes now… He’s been in this situation with this club before. He knows how to get out of it. If they get a couple of wins, they’d be out of the relegation zone.
“I would probably keep him.”
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