Rafa Benitez accuses Everton of lack of 'patience' following sacking

Rafa Benitez has hinted that Everton should have shown 'patience', instead of sacking him as manager.

Benitez was relieved of his duties following a terrible 2-1 defeat to Premier League strugglers Norwich City, though he had been under pressure for some time.

He leaves with the Toffees 16th in the table after leading his side to five wins, four draws and 10 defeats.

A significant proportion of supporters never warmed to Benitez, thanks to his association with rivals Liverpool, as well as his comment about the size of the club in the past.

Benitez spoke out on his departure on Sunday evening, insisting that results would have been better if he had been backed in the transfer market and the Toffees were luckier with injuries.

"We knew it wouldn't be easy, and that it was a big challenge, both emotionally and in terms of sport," he wrote on his official website (yes, such a thing does exist).

"My love for this city, for Merseyside and its people, made me accept this challenge, but it is only when you are inside that you realise the magnitude of the task.

"From the very first day, my staff and myself worked as we always do, with commitment and full dedication, we didn't only have to get results, but we also had to win over people's hearts. However, the financial situation and then the injuries that followed made things even harder.

"I am convinced that we would have been better once the injured players were back and with the arrival of the new signings.

"The road to success isn't easy and sadly, nowadays in football there is a search for immediate results and there is always less and less patience; unfortunately circumstances have determined the results and it won't be possible to continue this project.

"In any case, thank you to the Board, to the staff, to the players, and to those fans who have supported us during this time. My best wishes for EFC."

Everton's search for a new manager has now begun and 90min understands that Roberto Martinez, Wayne Rooney and Graham Potter are all being considered for the role.

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