Everton news: Pundit suggests Seamus Coleman and Rafa Benitez rift after Sky reveal
Kevin Phillips suspects Seamus Coleman “didn’t get on” with previous Everton manager Rafael Benitez on the evidence of his performance against Leeds United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the 2000 European Golden Shoe winner admitted he thought the 33-year-old’s time at Goodison Park “was coming to an end.”
Coleman impressed on Saturday in a 3-0 win over Leeds United.
The right-back contributed a goal, two tackles, two clearances and two accurate long balls in an all-round performance. [WhoScored]
It comes after a disappointing start to the season for Everton’s captain under previous manager Benitez.
In an interview with Sky Sports (11 February), Coleman admitted the squad’s confidence was “on the floor” prior to Lampard’s arrival.
When asked for his thoughts on Coleman’s comments, Phillips told Football Insider: “He was possibly one that didn’t get on with Benitez.
“I thought his [Coleman’s] time at Everton was coming to an end, to be honest. In [Nathan] Patterson, I thought they’d signed backup if not a replacement for him.
“Again though, he’s got a new lease of life under the new manager. Lampard has probably put his arm around him and said, ‘You’ve been a top full-back for years, you don’t just lose that.’
“It’s amazing how players respond to a bit of love from their manager. I think that’s the case with Coleman and a few of the Everton players to be fair.”
In other news, an ex-FIFA official has claimed an Everton star is ‘lucky’ to have avoided a red card after footage emerges.