Rafa Benitez has blamed Everton’s recent poor form on the club’s financial situation and injuries this season, after being sacked on Sunday.
The Spaniard was relieved of his duties following Everton’s 2-1 away defeat to Norwich on Saturday, a result which left the Toffees with one win in 13 games.
In a swift reaction on his website, Benitez revealed that it is lack of summer transfer funds and fitness issues in his squad that led to the poor form.’We knew it wouldn’t be easy, and that it was a big challenge, both emotionally and in terms of sport.
‘My love for this city, for Merseyside and its people, made me accept this challenge, but it is only when you are inside that you realise the magnitude of the task.
‘From the very first day, my staff and myself worked as we always do, with commitment and full dedication, we didn’t only have to get results, but we also had to win over people’s hearts. However, the financial situation and then the injuries that followed made things even harder.
‘I am convinced that we would have been better once the injured players were back and with the arrival of the new signings.
‘The road to success isn’t easy and sadly, nowadays in football there is a search for immediate results and there is always less and less patience; unfortunately circumstances have determined the results and it won’t be possible to continue this project.
‘In any case, thank you to the Board, to the staff, to the players, and to those fans who have supported us during this time. My best wishes for EFC. Rafa Benítez.’
The management of Everton called for an emergency meeting following their poor performance at Norwich on Sunday afternoon, which led to Benitez’s dismissal from the club.
