Everton manager Rafael Benitez insists this season shouldn't be compared to last term under Carlo Ancelotti.
A recent slide has left Everton down in 11th in the Premier League and things are unlikely to get easier in the coming weeks.
"You cannot compare this season with the last season or three seasons ago," said Benitez. "It's impossible, because every season is different.
"So you have injuries, you have new players, the other teams are different, you have new managers coming in the league.
"Then we try to compare that, saying 'he spent £100 million this year' and that's it. No, it's not like that. So if you are missing Dominic or missing Richarlison or missing Doucoure or Yerry Mina for three or four months, you cannot compare with last season. It is the same for everyone.
"So we try to do that and it is a mistake because new managers coming in will change the approach. So you play against Manchester City and it will not be the same with another manager. And you cannot compare."
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