Sir Kenny Dalglish insists Rafa Benitez will always be accepted by Liverpool fans
Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is the new Everton boss and the decision has divided the fan base of both clubs.
The Spaniard is the second-ever manager in history to cross the Merseyside divide, and he has won sworn enemies for himself among the Reds and Toffees faithful.
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has nothing against Benitez, though, insisting the new Everton manager will always be an iconic figure at Anfield.
“From the Red side and the Blue side of the city, some can’t believe that a former Liverpool boss has decided to make the switch to Goodison,” the former Liverpool boss wrote in his The Sunday Post column.
“My view is that what he achieved as Liverpool manager, such as the Champions League success in 2005, means he will always be an iconic figure at the club.
“Rafa will always be appreciated and accepted. He has a fine CV, and has managed other top clubs such as Inter Milan, Napoli, Chelsea and Newcastle United. It’s his decision to now accept the challenge at Everton.”
Logic over emotions
The Everton fans and their Liverpool counterparts against the appointment of Benitez have simply put emotions over logic.
We understand the age-long rivalry and would have preferred not to see an ex-Reds in our dugout too, but the decision of Farhad Moshiri was taken in the best interest of the club.
Having seen four top managers fail to deliver, the Toffees owner was ready to do whatever it takes to get in another boss with an impressive CV, and he refused to listen to the fans.
No one knows how we would turn out under the Spaniard, but wishing him ill-luck is childish and malicious.
Everton is bigger than any fan, and we have to support the club now more than ever.
Having gone without silverware since 1996, we cannot afford to ignore and antagonise someone capable of breaking our trophy duck.
Benitez has proven himself in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, and is without a doubt perfect for the task ahead.
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