Richarlison knows he has to give something back because we were supporting him: Rafa Benitez

Everton manager Rafa Benitez has stated that star footballer Richarlison will be looking to repay the club for giving the green light to his Olympic dream. Benitez spoke to the forward over his desire to represent Brazil in the Tokyo Olympics in Japan. The winger featured in every match in the recently concluded edition of the Copa America, with Brazil reaching the final of the tournament. Their unbeaten tournament record was ended by Argentina.

The 24-year-old has represented Brazil on 32 occasions, following his debut in September 2018. Richarlison will now prepare for an opening match against Germany in Yokohama on Thursday. The competition’s gold medal match is set for 7 August, one week before Everton start their Premier League campaign. However, Benitez is not worried about the absence of Richarlison following the return of left-back Lucas Digne.

Richarlison is happy because he can go to Japan

“I was in contact with him, he had the Olympic Games in the back of his head, we needed to sort out his situation and he is fine. He is happy because he can go there and he knows he has to give us something back because we were supporting him. That [not being involved at start of season] could be something we can consider not great in the beginning but will be a massive boost for us in the rest of the season because he will try to deliver,” Benitez told evertonfc.com.

Digne sustained an injury while representing France in a Euro 2020 encounter against Portugal. However, reports over his fitness are positive.

“I had contact with him [on Wednesday morning], he is training well, doing his job and ready to join the team as soon as possible. He is a great professional and I know he is working hard. My exchange of messages with him has been good because he is telling me he is nearly ready.”

“Yet to decide the captain”

“I am yet to make a decision [on the captain] because it is a new season and you need to know your players. I am quite comfortable with the senior players, any of them. They show they have the right mentality when you talk with them and are keen to learn. They know something was missing [preventing Everton from sustaining consistently good form], they are desperate to change that. Maybe they need someone to guide them in the right direction, I will try to do that. Seamus is a great lad, any of the senior players can be captain, if they have the character and leadership you are looking for in a captain.”

While Everton are working hard to ensure a solid performance in the upcoming edition of the Premier League, the mood is comparatively light in case of neighbours Liverpool. The Reds enjoyed some hard-earned downtime at their hotel on Saturday night, when all players and staff took part in a quiz that was played out amid a brilliant atmosphere.

“It was difficult over the last season to really have a big gathering with each other with all the restrictions. So it was good to get together with all the staff and the players, to be able to just let our hair down and enjoy the night, have some banter and enjoy the quiz. It was good, good for the team and good for the team spirit,” said Trent Alexander-Arnold.