Benitez makes first appointments to Everton backroom staff
Paco de Miguel and Antonio Gomez both have a long association with Benitez
Written by Training Ground Guru — July 14, 2021
RAFA BENITEZ has made the first two appointments to his Everton backroom staff, with long-time lieutenants Paco de Miguel and Antonio Gomez returning to work alongside him at Goodison.
The Spaniard was appointed manager at the end of June, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, and has signed a three-year contract with the Toffees.
He has a long association with compatriots De Miguel (full name Francisco de Miguel Moreno) - with whom he worked at Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Dalian - and Gomez, who was alongside him at Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle and Dalian.
“Paco has been part of my success with different teams and is a key part of the staff,” Benitez said. “He is very knowledgeable and an exceptionally hard worker.
"Paco is informed on every aspect of modern training technology and how to apply this to maximise the output of every player and the team. He has been my assistant for 14 years and will be very important in what we want to achieve with Everton.
“Antonio is a former player with a lot of experience on the pitch as a coach and manager and player,” said Benitez. “He will analyse opposing teams and study our players and is another who knows exactly how I want to do things.
“He was my player when he was 16 and has coached with me for more than eight years. He shares my ideas and ambitions and desire for success with Everton and is always working really hard on and off the pitch.”
Duncan Ferguson remains from the Ancelotti era as assistant manager, while Alan Kelly stays on as first-team and goalkeeping coach.
“Duncan is an Everton legend and has great experience,” Benitez said. “He will be vital for us with his coaching expertise and understanding of the players.
“His spirit, personality and character are invaluable. He knows the club and people and what the Evertonians expect from their players. He will be an inspiration for us and crucial with his insight on the club.”
Further appointments will be made in due course, as six staff departed with Ancelotti when he went to Real Madrid at the end of last season: fitness coach Francesco Mauri, assistant Davide Ancelotti, fitness coach Manuel Morabito, recovery and rehab specialist Mino Fulco, data analyst Luca Guerra and video analyst Simeone Montanaro.
