Fired after 200 days, Benitez never won over Everton fans
By ROB HARRIS
AP Global Soccer Writer
Rafa Benitez has been fired as Everton manager following a 2-1 loss to Norwich in the Premier League that plunged the team closer to the relegation zone. Benitez was a contentious appointment in the offseason owing to his close links with Everton’s local rival, Liverpool, for whom he was manager from 2004-10 and led to a Champions League title in 2005. Everton has won just once in the league since the end of September, with the defeat at Carrow Road leaving fans angry and the team in 15th place, six points above the relegation zone. Wayne Rooney is among potential contenders for the job. The boyhood Everton fan turned precocious striker is currently Derby manager.