Very much negativity here. Come on, it's a new season, new opportunities. Rafael is nobody's favorite manager, but we must at least give him a fair opportunity. We also have no other choice.
I like to look at it as we have a squad that has underperformed over several years, and played football without any kind of intention and passion. The football we played under Ancelotti was pretty much awful to watch, not only aesthetically, but it was completely devoid of energy and aggression. Many of the players have also been written off by supporters and "experts". I like to think they have something to prove.
Rafael is a manager who is very clear on how he wants his teams to play, and how the players will perform their roles. He also makes clear demands, and the players must be in very good physical shape. I like to think that this is a good combination. A team and players who have been a bit confused, who have underperformed and who have something to prove, and a manager who is very clear on what he expects.
I therefore like to think that we will be a team that is difficult to beat, a team with intensity, aggression and that has character. This is what characterized us under Moyes, but which over time has been pulverized. But this at least gives us a solid base to work with, and that we can develop the team further. At least those are the expectations I have ahead of this season. Of course, I will most likely be disappointed, but such is life as an Everton supporter.
