TNT Sports’ interview with Everton’s Richarlison this week turned out to be quite interesting, with the 24-year-old having a great conversation as usual.
We’ve already covered a few quotes where the forward talks about the importance Carlo Ancelotti had at Goodison Park, as he believes the manager would’ve been capable of taking the club to European competitions.
When speaking of the coach’s arrival, Richarlison also mentioned the signing of James Rodriguez. Then he was asked by reporter Fred Caldeira about the talent the Colombian has.
The Brazilian pointed out he didn’t understand why the midfielder left Everton, claiming that was a sudden decision which ended up having an impact in the squad.
“When I arrived from the Olympics, I was even surprised at how much he was running and dedicating himself to training, training well. And out of nowhere, the coach said he didn’t count on him anymore. And nobody understood anything,” Richarlison told TNT Sports.
“So I think that also weighed a little on the group. Because we know about James’ quality. Also from Digne, who we ended up losing. So it weighs, it weighs. Like it or not, it weighs on the group. We had a united group there and ended up losing two important players. So I think that’s it. James, we wish him all the best.
“And that’s it, we lost, we lost Bernard too, who was an important player. And it’s like I said, we had everything to reach the Europa League or the Champions and we lose players so easily. Lose players through injury too. It ends up making competition difficult.”
Even though those quotes may sound like Richarlison didn’t like Rafa Benitez’s work, that may not be the case. Because the following question was about the Spanish manager, and instead of passing any criticism, the Brazilian claimed the coach was unlucky that the squad had so many injuries during his time in charge, as Everton couldn’t even make signings to replace those issues.
