Rafa Benitez has revealed that Everton's hierarchy thought he had lost the passion to manage at the top, due to his time in China, but that was far from the case - with the Spaniard driven by the club's ambitious project.
The former Liverpool boss was controversially appointed Toffees manager in June but has quickly swayed the Goodison Park fanbase following their terrific start to the Premier League season, where they sit fifth but just two points off the top.
Benitez had been out of work beforehand since January having left Chinese outfit Dalian Professional after 18 months in charge.