Rafa Benitez has backed Everton to avoid relegation this season, insisting the supporters can play a key role in helping the team remain afloat.
Sean Dyche's side currently sit level on points with 18th-placed Nottingham Forest and may well require a run similar to last season, which saw the team win three of their final six matches, to ensure they will be playing Premier League football next season.
It was Frank Lampard who steered the Blues to safety at the back end of last term, having replaced Benitez as manager in January of last year. Everton find themselves in a precarious position once again 12 months down the line, though there are more teams at risk of relegation this time around.
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Of the view Dyche's men have what it takes to preserve their top-flight status, Benitez told the Telegraph: “After my time there they have invested a lot of money again and they have the squad to get out of relegation. The fans were decisive last year and they can be again this year.”
The Spaniard is yet to make a return to management since being relieved of his role at Goodison Park over a year ago, but has admitted he is on the lookout for upcoming opportunities in the Premier League.
“I have had several possibilities this season, but the conditions that I think are necessary were not there and I preferred to wait for another option,” explained the 63-year-old. "I have also had proposals from outside, but our preference has always been the Premier League.”
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