Speaking on the OTB Football Podcast, Seamus Coleman has responded after being asked about Rafa Benitez, his Liverpool links and his past comments on Everton.
As we’ve seen over the past fortnight, Everton fans aren’t best pleased with Benitez being their new manager due to his links to the Reds, but according to Coleman, that isn’t something that will affect the squad.
What’s been said?
Coleman as bluntly asked about Benitez’s history and his previous comments on Everton when he famously described them as a ‘small club’.
“How big a factor is that? Rafa Benitez being a former Liverpool manager and previously describing Everton as a small club. How important is it to get out in front of that from the start and show that everybody is on side?” The podcast’s host asked.
“Ultimately you have to understand big Everton supporters and that rivalry between Everton and Liverpool, but on the other hand the decision is made. The manager has managed Liverpool, but in the meantime, he’s managed a lot of different clubs in between,” Coleman replied.
“As players and staff we need and we want the best for Everton Football Club, and as I touched on, there are too many seasons that have dwindled out, which has been disappointing and that’s on me and a lot of the players, but now we’re ready to go again, we all have to come back and impress the new manager and make sure we’re in his plans for the new season as well.
“Ultimately, they can keep talking about it, but I’m not embarrassed to say it, we all want what’s best for Everton, we want to be successful.
“I’m sure fans are sick of me saying it, but I’ll keep saying it. I want to win a trophy at this football club, and this is a new start and a new opportunity and the manager is here to be successful, he’s come to be a part of Everton and a part of the Everton family and give his all because he’ll want to be as successful as he can as well, so as a group we need to look forward and be as positive as we can.”
Perfect answer
This is exactly what you want to hear from the club’s captain.
Like it or not, Benitez is the Everton manager, and everyone will have to come to terms with that sooner or later.
Fans may not accept him yet, but if the players get behind him, the mood could change quickly, especially if results begin to follow.
Let’s not forget that Benitez is a Champions League winning manager. He’s a great tactician who has tasted success in this country before, and the players don’t seem to be holding any grudges about his links to Liverpool.
Coleman has given the perfect answer as the club’s captain, and we can only hope that every other Everton player sees things in the same way.
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