December 06, (THEWILL) – Following the departure of Director of Football Marcel Brands, English Premier League side Everton have stated that they would continue to give manager Rafael Benitez their “full support”.
Brands’ departure from Goodison Park was made official late on Sunday. The 59-year-old Dutchman joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2018, but the club’s owner, Farhad Moshiri, has moved to address the club’s crisis.
Everton’s transfer policy has been criticised, with the club spending £300 million during Brands’ rule.
At the end of Wednesday’s 4-1 Merseyside derby defeat by Liverpool at Goodison Park, enraged supporters surrounded him and chairman Bill Kenwright.
“The board and I agreed that there is a clear difference in the vision and direction for this beautiful club,” said Brands.
“This decision has taken some time and some consideration and was one of the most difficult I have faced in my career.”
During his stint at the club, Brands worked with managers Marco Silva, Carlo Ancelotti, and, most recently, Rafa Benitez.
Everton will conduct a strategic assessment of their football structure, “which will inform the best model for the club to proceed with in the long term”.
The club statement said: “The owner and directors would like to thank Marcel for the service he has given to the club over the past three and a half years and wish him well for his future.”
Everton host Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday, at 9 pm local time, having taken only two points from their past eight matches, a run that has seen them fall to 16th in the table.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
