Carragher instructs Everton on replacing Ancelotti after Real Madrid return

Jamie Carragher claims Everton should move to appoint his former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez after Carlo Ancelotti's return to Real Madrid.

Ancelotti had three years remaining on his contract but Los Blancos stumped up a considerable compensation package to bring the Italian back to the Spanish capital on Tuesday.

Everton have a number of weeks to identify their next manager before pre-season begins, but there are seldom few available with such a decorated CV as Ancelotti, whose includes three Champions League titles.

But Carragher pointed out Benitez is available and there are clear similarities between him and the man he could replace at Goodison Park.

"As Carlo Ancelotti returns to Real Madrid, Everton owner Farhad Moshiri will be wondering when he will next get the chance to appoint a former Real Madrid manager and Champions League winner with Premier League experience," Carragher told the Daily Telegraph.

"How about immediately?

"Of the names instantly linked with Everton as the Ancelotti news broke, who is more qualified than my former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez?

"Rafa is available, settled in the area and I am sure he is ready if Moshiri is prepared to consider one of the more shocking managerial appointments in Merseyside football history.

"At the very least, Benitez should be under consideration as Moshiri begins yet another managerial quest. And not for the first time, before the owner decides the right candidate, he has to be clear of the football direction he wants to take."

Benitez led Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005 and it would come as a coup for Everton to appoint the Anfield hero.

He later replaced Ancelotti in the Real Madrid hot seat before spells with Newcastle in the Premier League and Dalian Professional in the Chinese Super League.

Meanwhile, Carragher questioned whether Everton chiefs have a clear-enough vision for the club, in light of the variety of managers they are believed to be interested in appointing.

He added: "As an outsider looking into any club's recruitment process, it is confusing and worrying when you hear so many candidates mentioned who are different in terms of their personality and playing style.

"If a shortlist includes, say, (former Bournemouth boss) Eddie Howe or ( Brighton manager) Graham Potter, you can tell the club's board is looking for a specific profile of a young, progressive coach.

"If that same shortlist consists of (former Wolves boss) Nuno Espirito Santo, it suggests the club is not sure what brand of football they want, Wolves being a well-organised but defensive, counter-attacking side for the last few seasons. With respect, I am not sure that would go down well at Goodison Park.

"With Ancelotti, Everton pursued the tried-and-tested, proven experienced manager and stellar name. If that is what Moshiri still wants, Benitez is an obvious candidate."

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