Simon Jordan warns 61-year-old about taking Everton job, he’s not an ‘elite’ manager

Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Simon Jordan has warned Rafa Benitez that Everton fans could quickly turn on him if the former Liverpool manager failed to make an immediate impact at Goodison Park, speaking to talkSPORT (10 June, 10am). 

Football, ultimately, is a results-driven business. 

And if Benitez could succeed in the Premier League where Carlo Ancelotti failed and turn the perennial underachievers into a top-six side, many on the blue half of Stanley Park would be happy to airbrush those Anfield allegiances from the history books.  

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Plenty of eyebrows were raised last week when The Athletic reported a former Liverpool manager – one who has made no secret of his adoration for the Reds – was interested in joining his former club’s arch rivals. 

And, with the likes of Paulo Fonseca, Sean Dyche and David Moyes seemingly slipping through Everton’s fingers, the prospect of Benitez making a shock return to the Premier League appears to be growing by the day. 

The Daily Mail last night claimed the 61-year-old had gone from an outside option to a “serious candidate”. 

Would Everton fans welcome Rafa Benitez?

But while Benitez boasts an enviable CV, having also coached Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Valencia, former Crystal Palace owner Jordan believes the veteran tactician would be under pressure to hit the ground running at Goodison Park. 

“I can (see him becoming Everton manager). I can see Rafa Benitez pitching up wherever an opportunity (arises)!” Jordan said with a hint of cynicism. 

“Obviously there’s some history. (Whether Everton fans accept him) depends on the nature of the tribalism and rivalry. Ask Tottenham Hotspur fans, did they accept George Graham?  

Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images

“It will work well if Rafa Benitez comes in and is instantly successful. If by any chance he doesn’t hit the ground running, the Liverpool connection will become more prevalent.” 

Benitez – career on a ‘different trajectory’

Benitez famously led Liverpool to the Champions League title and won a pair of La Liga crowns at Valencia. But, as Jordan is at pains to point out, the most recent of those successes came in 2005, when James Rodriguez was a bright-eyed 13-year-old. 

Benitez’s most recent managerial roles saw him lead Newcastle to a mid-table finish – no mean feat in itself – before embarking on a short-term spell in China. 

“(Benitez) is a very good manager – there’s no doubt about it,” says Jordan. 

“He’s had some very interesting results in his time but his career is now on a different trajectory. I don’t think (Everton) are getting an elite manager.  

“(Winning the Champions League) was 16 years ago. Elite is current, not historic.” 

Nuno Espirito Santo is another front runner after talks with Crystal Palace fell apart. But could Nuno or Benitez really turn Everton into a top-six side? Not according to Jordan.  

He adds: “(Nuno and Benitez) aren’t leading candidates in the world of football. If Everton’s aspirations are to be in the top six, would any of the top six employ those two?”

Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images

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