We know ‘who to blame’ as two more Everton senior figures exit – pundit
The exit of Marcel Brands and his allies in the transfer department means Rafael Benitez now has full accountability at Everton.
So says ex-Aston Villa goalscorer Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the power dynamics behind the scenes at Goodison.
Former director of football Brands confirmed on 5 December that he had left the club, citing a “clear difference in vision and direction.”
The Dutchman has been followed out the door by transfer gurus Dan Purdy and Gretar Steinsson, whose exit was first revealed by Football Insider last Monday (6 December).
The trio’s spend-happy recruitment record has been blamed for the team’s diabolical run of form, as well as wider problems in recent years.
Agbonlahor warned the Brands, Purdy and Steinssons’ decision to quit mean there is now nowhere for under-fire Benitez to hide.
“You should give the manager the power,” he told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitely.
“If he brings in players now and they don’t perform, we know who to blame.
“When there’s a director of football bringing in players, it can get a bit confusing. So I’ve got no problem with the manager having control.
“There is no point in carrying on sacking on managers. You need to give managers some time.
“When Calvert-Lewin’s back, they will be much more of a threat anyway.”
Everton have won just one of their last 10 league matches and slumped to a 3-1 defeat away to Crystal Palace last night (12 December).
That result leaves Benitez’ side 14th in the league standings after 16 matches.
In other news, pundit tells Everton to “reject offer” for Lucas Digne after major development.