Richarlison is backing caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson to spark a revival in Everton’s season against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Blues’ Tartan talisman has taken the reins on a temporary basis for the second time after previously having a four-game spell in charge back in December 2019.
Richarlison told the ECHO: “Duncan is part of our daily work, he knows our group of players very well, and has been in this role before, so I think he’s a great choice to step in.
“He’s a person that the fans have a lot of affection for and will have all the support to work. Everyone knows that our position in the table is not what everyone expected, and that’s why we need to react as quickly as possible.
“We can’t wait for the weekend. The game against Aston Villa is very important for us to regain confidence and turn our season around.”
Ferguson was assistant to Rafa Benitez who was sacked after the 2-1 defeat to the bottom club Norwich City left his side with just one win from their last 13 matches in the competition.
However, Richarlison believes that he and his team-mates also need to take responsibility for their role in Everton’s slide in fortunes.
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He said: “It’s not ideal, we all get sad when the work doesn’t go well.
“But the club’s board understood that it was time to change course and we trust them with this decision.
“I’m saddened by Benitez’s departure, as we must all take our share of the blame. But now it's time to think about the future and do our best to get our team out of this unwanted position in the table.”
Along with fellow substitute Yerry Mina, Richarlison was one of 10 internationals Everton fielded at Carrow Road and after seeing the side slip to 16 th in the table, he admits it’s difficult to explain their poor results.
He said: “It’s very complicated to answer this without sounding like an excuse, but I think it happened due to a number of factors.
“We had a lot of injuries during the season that took key players out of the team for a long time.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Yerry Mina were away for a long time.
“Add in the two injuries I had, I was out for more than two months, which is something that had never happened before in my career.
“But we have our responsibility on the field and we need to assume it.
“We have to turn the page on what has happened so far and start winning. Only the return of victories will improve our situation.”
Richarlison netted 13 Premier League goals in both of his first two seasons at Everton but hit the net just seven times in the competition last term.
His spectacular strike at Norwich was his fourth goal of the current campaign so does he now feel that it will help him to go on a scoring spree between now and May?
He said: “For sure. Scoring goals is something that motivates me a lot.
“When I hit the net, I gain confidence and motivation, which is very important for the psychological aspect of my game.
“As long as I’m scoring goals, providing assists and creating danger for the opponents I know I'll be contributing in the best way to the team, so that's very important to me.
“But now, more than just thinking about the goals, we need to regain the confidence of the team as a whole and win points.”
This correspondent likened Richarlison’s bicycle kick in Norfolk to his fellow Brazilian Pele’s effort in the iconic football film Escape to Victory .
Although there was no Hollywood ending for Everton and he hasn’t yet seen the footage of that choreographed effort for the big screen – shot 16 years before he was born and reputedly nailed first take by the then 40-year-old legendary star – Richarlison likes the sound of the comparison and believes this goal ranks among his best.
He said: “I’ve never seen that Pele goal, I’ll look it up now on YouTube to watch it!
“But having my goal compared to one of the King’s is a huge honour.
“I think it’s one of the most beautiful goals of my career. There are a few others that I like a lot too.
“The two that I scored against Brighton, that volley against Manchester United...but this one is definitely on the top of the main list.”
Talking of going online, Richarlison has built up a rapport with fans by his use of social media and this week he appeared wearing a series of different character outfits.
Asked about using his accounts to forge a relationship with supporters, Richarlison said: “I really enjoy interacting with fans on social media.
“It was something I didn’t have in my childhood with my idols. So I try to give attention to the fans and from time to time even to those who criticise, because it’s also a chance to show my side of things.
“I just don’t spend my time with haters anymore, because they don’t deserve it. Overall, I think it’s important to be there because an answer you give a fan is something they may never forget.”
Having last penned a contract extension in December 2019, Richarlison’s current deal lasts until 2024 when Everton are due to move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
The switch to the club’s new £500million home on the Mersey waterfront is a great incentive for all the Blues players but Richarlison acknowledges the team need to be performing by the time they leave ‘The Grand Old Lady.’
He said: “Everyone is looking forward to the new stadium. It’s a huge project and we’re all looking forward to seeing it finished.
“It is something that changes the level of a club, even a traditional one like Everton. We love playing at Goodison, it’s a spectacular stadium, with a beautiful story that will always be in my heart and that of all Evertonians.
“We really want to be on top when the time comes to play in the new stadium. The fans deserve a lot, because they are very passionate and always support us a lot, even in difficult times.”
