Former Premier League star Jose Enrique has claimed Everton should never have appointed Rafa Benitez and his sacking was inevitable from the outset.
The Merseyside club are believed to be in the final stages of identifying a new manager after Benitez was axed earlier this month and the former Liverpool left-back has also questioned the decision of the former Reds boss to join their local rivals.
“His sacking was coming,” Enrique told BoyleSports.
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“I didn’t understand Rafa in that situation. Liverpool fans took it in a good way and they love him because of what he’s done at the club. But for Everton it wasn’t the right choice and I believe he was always going to lose the job at some point. The fans didn’t want him.”
Enrique also refused to rule Liverpool out of the title race despite a 9-point gap to leaders Manchester City.
“I expected this January to be worse than it has been for Liverpool,” he added.
"Manchester City are going to have a run where they don’t do as well. At the same time, City have a great manager, great players and it’s a big difference in points, so it’s not easy.
"But Liverpool can still do something about it. I’m sure they’re not going to give up.
“I wasn’t positive before the African Cup Of Nations. I didn’t expect Liverpool to be as good as they have been without Salah and Mane. They lack strength in depth in the front three, but Jota has stepped in, Firmino and Oxlade-Chamberlain too.
"They still need someone else who can play in the front three similar to Jota, who’s scoring goals and doing well. Profile-wise, Liverpool need another £40m or £50m kind of player to support the front three now."
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More on Jose Enrique:
Jose Enrique is a former professional footballer who played as a left-back.
He played for a number of Spanish teams as well as Newcastle United and Liverpool in the Premier League.
He retired through injury in 2017 when back in Spain with Real Zaragoza.
He now works as a football pundit and media personality for outlets such as the well-reknowned Empire of the Kop.
The Merseyside club are believed to be in the final stages of identifying a new manager after Benitez was axed earlier this month and the former Liverpool left-back has also questioned the decision of the former Reds boss to join their local rivals.
“His sacking was coming,” Enrique told BoyleSports.
BET ON BOYLESPORTS' OFFERS AND PROMOTIONS HERE.
“I didn’t understand Rafa in that situation. Liverpool fans took it in a good way and they love him because of what he’s done at the club. But for Everton it wasn’t the right choice and I believe he was always going to lose the job at some point. The fans didn’t want him.”
Enrique also refused to rule Liverpool out of the title race despite a 9-point gap to leaders Manchester City.
“I expected this January to be worse than it has been for Liverpool,” he added.
I believe they can fight for the points to win the title.""
"Manchester City are going to have a run where they don’t do as well. At the same time, City have a great manager, great players and it’s a big difference in points, so it’s not easy.
"But Liverpool can still do something about it. I’m sure they’re not going to give up.
“I wasn’t positive before the African Cup Of Nations. I didn’t expect Liverpool to be as good as they have been without Salah and Mane. They lack strength in depth in the front three, but Jota has stepped in, Firmino and Oxlade-Chamberlain too.
"They still need someone else who can play in the front three similar to Jota, who’s scoring goals and doing well. Profile-wise, Liverpool need another £40m or £50m kind of player to support the front three now."
Premier League Betting.
Safer Gambling
Remember, please always gamble responsibly. Check out BoyleSports' dedicated Safer Gambling information page.
More on Jose Enrique:
Jose Enrique is a former professional footballer who played as a left-back.
He played for a number of Spanish teams as well as Newcastle United and Liverpool in the Premier League.
He retired through injury in 2017 when back in Spain with Real Zaragoza.
He now works as a football pundit and media personality for outlets such as the well-reknowned Empire of the Kop.