Rafa Benitez has said critical Everton fans aren’t helping him to try and solve long-term problems at the club.
Banners calling for the Spaniard to leave were unfurled during Saturday’s 3-2 FA Cup win at Hull City with some supporters also chanting for him to be sacked after the team trailed 1-0.
However, with Everton trophyless since 1995, Benitez said he can’t be held responsible for their struggles and said fans would be better served to get behind the players.
Everton boss Rafa Benitez has urged disgruntled fans to get behind the players
‘The problems (at Everton) are coming from a time ago. It is not the last three months,’ said Benitez.
‘The issues are similar and I have experience to fix the issues. If some fans understand that, they will support the team. If they don’t understand it is fine, but I will continue to do my best.
‘You know the answer if it (the protests) help the team. The main thing is the fans have to be behind the team and concentrate on that.
Banners calling for the Spaniard to leave were unfurled during the FA Cup win at Hull City
‘Some things have been wrong for so many years so you have to be sure you are behind the team.’
Benitez praised the efforts of his players who went through the pain barrier to secure victory after 120 minutes.
Andros Townsend scored the winner in his first action since mid-December after being rushed back from a foot injury.
Some supporters also chanted for Benitez to be sacked after the team trailed 1-0 at Hull
‘He made a great effort to be here and for the team. We are trying to fix some problems by bringing in these kind of players,’ said Benitez.
‘I am pleased with the players we brought. They are making the difference. They are playing in pain. These are the kind of players the fans are respecting.’
Benitez also gave a debut to left-back Vitality Mykolenko after his move earlier this month from Dynamo Kyiv. The Ukranian was booked and almost scored in an eventful introduction.