Former Everton captain Phil Jagielka has laid bare the enormity of the task faced by Rafa Benitez if he is to win over sceptical fans.
The club confirmed on Wednesday that the ex-Liverpool boss – who also boasts experience with the likes of Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid – has taken charge of the club on a three-year deal.
The decision to appoint Benitez comes in spite of significant fan backlash that saw offensive banners strewn across Goodison Park and near his family home in separate occasions.
The Spaniard was pictured arriving at the club’s USM Finch Farm training facility on Wednesday morning ahead of the deal’s confirmation.
Other familiar first-team coaches such as David Unsworth, Duncan Ferguson and Leighton Baines were also seen arriving at the training facility ahead of Benitez.
Speaking to Sky Sports [via the Daily Mail], Jagielka feels a busy summer of recruitment, combined with a strong start and positive results, are a necessary cocktail of positive conditions that Benitez needs to win over his doubters:
‘He will need to get off to a fast start and make a couple of marquee signings to smooth over, potentially, a little bit of a rocky start,’ he claimed.
‘If he gets a good start and the right results they will get behind him because that’s the sort of club Everton is.
‘The hierarchy at Everton have decided to go with Rafa, it is a controversial decision to say the least.
‘If we take away what club he used to manage and that side of history, as a coach and a manager he has performed at the top level.
‘They are getting a very competent man in – the only issue is there will be elements within the Evertonian family who won’t be happy seeing him in the dugout.’
Read Everton Verdict
Given the controversy surrounding the appointment, persuading his dissenters will be an uphill battle for the Everton tactician.
For the 40-cap England international (who spent 12 years at Goodison Park) to weigh in is another influential voice added to a chorus of uncertainty surrounding the club.
Benitez will ultimately rely on substance over style to dissuade his biggest detractors from losing faith in him.
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