Former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is out of work after being sacked by Everton.
The Spaniard got the job at Goodison Park over the summer, replacing Carlo Ancelotti who left to join Real Madrid.
It was a controversial appointment by Everton’s owners, bringing in a man who won the Champions League with rivals Liverpool.
The move seemed destined to fail. Everton’s fans didn’t want Benitez, although things did get off to a great start.
But injuries to star players Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have hurt them, as well as the limited investment over the summer.
Benitez was operating with his hands tied behind his back in a job where he wasn’t wanted. Results have declined, and it was no surprise to see him relieved of his duties after the 2-1 defeat to Norwich on Saturday.
Following his sacking, some Toon fans have called for the 61-year-old to return to St James’ Park, but as director of football rather than manager.
Some Toon fans believe Rafa Benitez could do a job as DOF
No way Newcastle should consider hiring Benitez for behind the scenes role
Calls for Benitez to become director of football are pure fantasy based on sentimental reasons.
Rafa was a dream for Newcastle. He made fans dream at a time when hope was lost, and reunited a club that was rotting to the core. But he couldn’t crack the root of the problem – Mike Ashley.
While it wasn’t a perfect tenure, Benitez was a huge success at St James’ Park given the situation.
Outsiders claim that Steve Bruce did just as good a job and fans rebelled against him from the off, but the evidence was there for all to see.
But despite his popularity, that does not mean a Benitez comeback would be a good idea.
If we needed a manager – absolutely. If he had been available after Bruce went then it seems certain that he would have been appointed.
But there is no evidence to suggest he’d make a good DOF. He has no experience in the role.
And if he was appointed, it would put Eddie Howe under immense pressure. There would always be speculation that Benitez would replace him if things went wrong. It would be similar to the situation that emerged when Graeme Jones joined the club at the start of last year.
This is a time for Newcastle to focus on the future, not cling on to the past.
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