Benitez Pre Man Utd Press Conference
Benitez on DCL/Coleman/Gomes/Richarlison
I saw in the press people talking about him Seamus Coleman & Dominic but they are not ready yet - same goes for Richarlison & Andre Gomes.
They are training little by little but they are not ready for this game
Benitez On Richarlison future
Yesterday I had lunch with him and he was happy, we talked about the future and his situation. It was a very nice conversation and everything was positive
Benitez on his previous Old Trafford record
Obviously when you win against a good team, it's massive & you have very good memories
It will be a tough game against a very good team. They have so many good players that any one can make the difference.
Benitez On Ronaldo
I think Cristiano is a great professional, we have to keep an eye on him, but we have to keep an eye on the rest of the team.
We have to concentrate from the first minute until the last minute.
Benitez On Townsend
Andros is a player I knew well at Newcastle, it's someone that's very keen to learn and work hard. He's the type of player Everton fans love, because he gives everything on the pitch and has quality, We talk about that [goals and assists]. He has to give more assists, he has to score more goals, but he has to help his team as he is doing. If you have the quality and work hard, you can be successful
Benitez on Man Utd's late goals habit
They can score goals at any time because they have so much quality. I will say 'lucky' but they also have the quality to score at any time
More On Ronaldo from Benitez
If you name any of the other players that can play, I'm sure the offensive players, all of them, can score & make the difference on their own. You can't just focus on one player even as good as Cristiano. We have to have a game plan to stop them & score goals, When I was coaching him in Real Madrid, he was one of the best professionals. He was always training, taking care of his body. He was an example, It will be good to see him, but away from our goal, He's a great finisher, every game he has chances and scores goals.
Benitez On differences in the league
The style, a lot of people want to play from the back and talk about possession. It seems that the mantra of positive football on the front foot, what you have to do is play well and win games. You can do it in different ways
Benitez On Doucoure
It's very clear he has the energy and potential to get into the box. Sometimes I've told him 'go, don't drop off too much because you can be a threat in attack.' He's doing well and focused on that, so I'm really pleased. That is an extra motivation for any player
More On Townsend from Benitez
Normally good professionals improve. You analyse little things and details, and they will improve. Andros is a player that is intelligent and a hard worker, he's trying to improve his game every day. He's a good example for Gordon, Gray and Iwobi.
Benitez on demands of EFC squad
Normally the good professionals, they improve. I remember some in the past were complaining but years after they said it was their best years
You have to push a little bit, nicely, and the players will improve.
Benitez On defence challenge against United
The game against Villarreal was a good example. Little by little they could manage and were more dangerous on the counter.
We have to adapt to our players, but we will try to be strong in defence and obviously try to score goals
Benitez On settling at Everton
I'm really pleased. As you say, I am at home. They treated me really well from day one, everybody is happy with the way things are going on.
Really I am feeling like I'm at home
Benitez On Gray/Townsend influence
I want to praise players, because I think we talk about Andros and Demarai. I am pleased with Lonergan, Begovic and Rondon also.
Andros and Demarai are taking the credit, but I think the others are doing a great job also.
Benitez On Gbamin
JP is training again so is fully fit, he's ok. Some players are still not available, but Gbamin is good news because we needed bodies
Benitez on quarantine exceptions for South American players
We know that there are new rules & we are encouraging our players to have the double vaccine. We try to advise the players to have it because it will be easier for the international duty. It's helpful for everyone, Yerry has a double vaccine & Salomon has a special situation that we are dealing with the [Venezuelan] federation so we will be fine
Benitez On Iwobi
I will say that he has a little problem, I don't know if he will be available for tomorrow. I think the fans appreciate that he's giving everything on the pitch,
we are working with him specifically on movement. I think he's improving, and we can still improve him. In terms of his future, his attitude, the way he's playing, I am really pleased. He has so much potential. I think he will be a much better player at the end of the season
