Liverpool legend, Mark Lawrenson told Off the Ball that Everton fans have told him they ‘don’t want’ Rafa Benitez as their manager.
The TV pundit also suggested that Benitez will get a ‘fab ovation’ when he returns to Liverpool next season in Everton colours.
Despite his Liverpool connections, those in the Goodison Park boardroom made the bold call of handing their managerial keys to Benitez.
It has understandably sparked quite the reaction on Merseyside, with suggestions that some in the Everton boardroom are against the appointment.
Nonetheless, this is what Lawrenson had to say about Benitez becoming Everton manager this week.
“I have got a couple of brother-in-laws, who are made Evertonians,” said Lawrenson. “They say ‘oh, we don’t want him. We don’t want him’.
“I just think ‘get over it’. We know what football is like and we know what football supporters are like. We are all the same. If he wins the first six games of the season then he is a genius.
“I hope he does well. When Everton go to play at Liverpool. I am sure he will get a fab ovation, Rafa.
“But, of course, they will want to stuff him 5-0 there’s no doubt.”
If Benitez doesn’t start well then it would be a surprise to see him lasting on the Goodison Park touchline.
What doesn’t help the Spaniard is that he isn’t replacing a manager who has just been sacked, but one who was becoming popular and left in an unexpected manner to Real Madrid.
Either way, Farhad Moshiri has put some serious money into Everton over the years, and it’s not worked out as he would have liked.
But this is no doubt his boldest call to date.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
