'It's a mistake, even if they're relegated' – supporters react to Rafa Benitez's potential Premier League return

Supporters react to Rafa Benitez's potential Premier League return: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Everton looks on during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Huddersfield Town and Everton at The John Smith's Stadium on August 24, 2021 in Huddersfield, England.
(Image credit: George Wood/Getty Images)

Football moves quickly – and Rafa Benitez could well be Nottingham Forest manager in a matter of days.

Life has come at Steve Cooper fast, too. After leading the Tricky Trees from a Championship relegation dogfight to the Premier League – not to mention signing half of Europe – the top tier has come with a steep learning curve. A 4-0 defeat to basement boys and local rivals Leicester hasn't eased the pressure on the Welshman, either.

Naturally, fans have been torn over the idea of sacking last season's Messiah…

Rafa Benitez to Nottingham Forest? Fans react on FourFourTwo's Facebook page

Rafael Benitez

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Jeremy references the state that Forest were in when Cooper took over. There's no such thing as repaying faith in football, is there?

Forest were rock bottom of the Championship when Cooper was appointed. The club won the play-offs last season after a miraculous turnaround. 


Rafael Benitez

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Some are looking longer term – would it be a good idea to stick with a manager who can work on a project long-term, regardless of how this season pans out?

There's certainly a case for it. Norwich City kept with Daniel Farke, while Sean Dyche was kept by Burnley, both after relegations. 


Rafael Benitez

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Steve Cooper should have bought himself a little more time, according to some. 


Rafael Benitez

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The flurry of Forest signings from the summer certainly have clicked together yet. 


Rafael Benitez

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Not everyone is against the idea of bringing in Rafa Benitez, however. 


Rafael Benitez

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Just… don't mention this to Everton fans.


Rafael Benitez

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Why is it always the same few managers who get the same old jobs? Bring back Alan Curbishley, we say. 

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.