Former Liverpool manager not interested in Everton job

Everton fans, who reveled in hearing Rafael Benitez being called the ‘fat Spanish waiter’ for years during his Liverpool tenure, will be thrilled to hear that he is not interested in pursuing the managerial vacancy at Goodison Park.

Speaking to the media yesterday, he clarified that he wanted to stay at Newcastle and continue his current project after he gained promotion with the Toon last season to the Premier League.

“I heard people talking, but I am happy here. I am concentrating on this, I don’t like to talk about rumours.

“The reality, obviously, is that my family is in Liverpool, but my past was Liverpool.

“Everton is a great club. I’m not saying I’m interested.

“I’m saying I’m happy here and want to concentrate on Newcastle and try to do my best here.”

His comments regarding Newcastle are interesting following his dissatisfaction with the summer’s transfer activity, and the turmoil surrounding owner Mike Ashley. The club has been put up for sale this month, and several potential buyers are reported to have signed non-disclosure agreements to review the club’s accounts.

Benitez led Valencia to two La Liga titles as well as a UEFA Cup trophy, before taking over at the Reds where he won an FA Cup and the Champions League trophy. Following a stint at Inter Milan, he won the Europa League while in a caretaker role at Chelsea, before moving on to Napoli. He joined Newcastle late in the 2015-16 season when they were already mired in the relegation zone.

Everton meanwhile sacked Ronald Koeman earlier this week and though Under-23s manager David Unsworth has been handed the job in an interim role, there are plenty of candidates being linked with the position on a more permanent basis.