Benitez backed despite Brands' departure

Everton manager Rafael Benitez will continue to receive the club's "full support" despite director of football Marcel Brands' departure. 

Confirmed late Sunday evening, Brands leaves Everton after being widely criticised for his role in the club's recent transfer policy. 

The 59-year-old's withdrawal comes in the wake of Everton's 4-1 loss to Liverpool at Goodison Park last week. The Merseyside derby was a stark reminder of how far the home side has fallen behind its Scouse rivals despite spending more money on transfers in the past five seasons. 

Since Brands joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2018, the Toffees have spent over £300m on largely fruitless transfers. Among his biggest blunders was spending £24.75m in 2020 on Moise Kean from Juventus who is already back in Turin on loan after scoring just four times in 39 appearances for the club.

Brands told the media he and the board have a clear difference in their respective visions for the club. 

"This decision has taken some time and some consideration and was one of the most difficult I have faced in my career," he said.

Everton released a statement in which it committed to a strategic review of the football structure which will "inform the best model for the Club to proceed with in the long-term".

Despite the transfer turmoil and poor performances, manager Rafa Benitez appears to be safe for now.

The ex-Liverpool manager has endured a horrid start to his reign at Goodison. Plagued with injuries to a myriad of key players, including England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Columbian Yerry Mina and Brazilian young-gun Richarlison, fans have been largely sympathetic to Rafa's position. 

However, with a number of players set to return in the coming weeks, beginning with tonight's match-up against Arsenal, expect fans' patience to run thin if things don't turn around soon. 

The Toffees currently sit 16th on the Premier League table having only managed to earn two points from their last eight matches.