Rafa Benitez insists the perception of him being distant with players is wrong and says his handling of Richarlison proves it.
The Spaniard has been said to have an icy veneer by some of those of who have played under him and that he is a hard man to please, rarely giving out compliments and preferring to concentrate on what can be improved.
But during Monday’s 3-1 beating of Burnley, Benitez gave Richarlison a hug after Everton had scored their third goal — and he made a point of making a fuss over the Brazilian again when he substituted him towards the end of the game.