Report: Manager with 280 career wins actually applied for the Everton job, but they rejected him

By John Verrall

Walter Mazzarri actually applied for the Everton job but was rejected, the Athletic suggest.

Everton announced Rafael Benitez as their new manager yesterday, in what has gone down as a highly controversial appointment from the Toffees. 

Benitez’s past links with Liverpool have seen fans protest against the Spaniard’s arrival, but Everton owner Farhad Moshiri was not to be dissuaded. 

An application for Mazzarri was also sent to Everton, but he turned down their offer. 

The 59-year-old, who has a wealth of experience in management, and has overseen 280 victories throughout his career, is said to have wanted the job at Goodison Park.

However, he was not deemed a suitable candidate, with Everton placing Benitez at the top of their wishlist.

A surprise candidate

Mazzarri would have been a rather left-field appointment for the Toffees in many ways, and it is understandable why they were reticent to consider him.

Mazzarri’s last spell in English football with Watford didn’t work out as planned, and that may have counted against him.

Everton actually were linked with the former Inter Milan and Napoli boss three years ago, but seem to have considered other options this time around. 

That news is unlikely to be too much of a disappointment around Goodison Park, even if Benitez’s arrival has angered many.

Mazzarri’s arrival would have left questions being asked of Everton’s ambitions and it seems a sensible move from the board to have rejected his application.