Rafael Benitez’s time at Goodison Park is not exactly looked back on fondly by those at Everton and it could be made even worse with an update on James Rodriguez.
Everton may not exactly be flying in the Premier League this season as they linger around the wrong end of the table, but Benitez’s time was hugely underwhelming.
The former Liverpool manager did not last long on his return to Merseyside with Everton sacking the Spaniard after just six months.
Benitez only took the Everton job to be close to his family who had remained in their family home in Liverpool.
And his lasting effect has been made even more clear after what the Spanish media have said about Rodriguez’s time at Rayo Vallecano.
It is now over three years since the Colombia international departed Goodison to play over in Qatar.
Rodriguez admitted he left Everton because of Benitez as he wanted to spend many more years on Merseyside.
And the frustrations from his time under the Spaniard are showing once again in La Liga with journalists sharing the details of his struggles.
“There are coaches with whom he did not have a good relationship, such as Rafa Benítez, who managed him at Madrid and Everton, but beyond that one in particular, it has been difficult for him to adapt to the group dynamic,” Omar Sanchez told AS.
“It is worrying because the ghosts of Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiakos and Sao Paulo are appearing again.”
Rodriguez has hinted at a potential Everton return, but it now seems any chance of that may be out the window as he struggles in Spain.
Since leaving Everton, Rodriguez has played for four different clubs across three different continents having now returned to the league where he enjoyed his best spell.
James Rodriguez 2024/25 stats for Rayo Vallecano
Regardless of how the remainder of the 33-year-old’s career pans out, the Colombian will retire with an impressive legacy.
Rodriguez has had problems since leaving Everton and he is really struggling to show his best form in La Liga.
In fact, the midfielder is even struggling to earn himself a start in the Spanish top flight this season.
| 2024/25 | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances (starts) | 7 (2) |
| Minutes | 205 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
Claudio Ranieri hailed Rodriguez at Everton, with the Toffees having a real superstar at their disposal during his time at Goodison.
At the age of 33, Rodriguez still has plenty of years potentially ahead of him, but he is going to need to find a new club where he can return to playing regular football.
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