Rafa Benitez says Evertonians can play a “major part” in their team’s bid for sustained improvement and, ultimately, help bring success to the Club.

Spaniard Benitez is preparing for his first competitive match as manager, with Southampton due at Goodison Park on Saturday for the opening Premier League game of 2021/22.

The initial priority, insists Benitez, is to deliver a performance packed with the energy and commitment to ignite what will be a full Goodison for the first time in 17 months.

He will have to make-do without five players in self-isolation – Colombian James Rodriguez among that number – but received a twin boost when Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were cleared to feature.

“After 17 months, the fans will be desperate to see the team on the pitch, to cheer the players and support the team,” said Benitez, who confirmed further additions before the transfer window closes on 31 August are a live possibility.

“They are clever and know the main thing for us is to be sure we are strong at home.

“Goodison Park, historically, has been a difficult place [for opposing teams] to get points.

“They [Evertonians] can be a major part of our success and I am sure they will be supporting the team how they always did.

“What they are always looking for is players who will give everything on the pitch, everything for the shirt, and try to win.

“A winning mentality means to give everything on the pitch.

“I have seen a lot of teams struggle to get points here because of the intensity of the games and commitment and desire from the players.

“And we have to play well. To play well doesn’t mean playing 20 passes around your own box, or to play direct football and wait for the second balls.

“It is something in-between. I had teams that played well, were well organised and created chances and didn’t concede many goals.

“I will try to do that – and make sure my conversation with each player is about that.

“It is good to have this feeling we can do better and improve.

“But we have to be realistic and the best way to be realistic is to concentrate on the next challenge, which is to get three points against Southampton.”

Forward Richarlison rejoined his Everton teammates for training on Wednesday, only four days after winning Olympic Gold with Brazil in Japan.

The 24-year-old played 13 games – starting 11 – for his country this summer after originally linking up with Brazil for the Copa America in his homeland.

But Benitez has no qualms about the player’s readiness to be involved this weekend, with fellow striker Calvert-Lewin also steadily getting back up to speed following his participation in the European Championship with England.

The application of both players, says the Everton manager, is in keeping with the prevailing attitude since Benitez began working with his squad six weeks ago.

“They have all been training really well and we have improved the fitness of the players quite a lot in this short period,” said Benitez.

“They are very receptive and listen and want to do things in the way we want.

“And we have a lot of conversations about what they prefer and what they did last season.

“We have a lot of information from the last game [friendly meeting with Manchester United last Saturday], so now we have to make the right decisions.

“The approach and the commitment of the players is there.

“I am happy with that and, hopefully, we can improve little by little.

“Richarlison is a very important player for us.

“When he wanted to go to the Olympic Games, we analysed the pros and cons and decided it would be a good opportunity for him to get silverware.

“He won the medal and is very happy and knows we need him now.

“He knows I will try to manage his time off to be sure he recovers quickly.

“But, at the moment, he is fine and has been training well and is keen to help the team.”

On the possibility of adding to his squad before the end of the month, Benitez added: "The Financial Fair Play rules are there and we have to follow them… we have to bring the best out of our players – but still we are thinking about strengthening the squad.

“We have to make sure the players we have are good enough and ready for Saturday.”