Rafa Benitez has insisted he would rather ‘think about the positives’ when asked for his reaction to banners which targeted him before his Everton appointment.
On June 30, the Spaniard was announced as the new Toffees manager, signing a three-year deal but in the days leading up to the unveiling, banners were left outside Goodison Park against the former Liverpool boss taking charge.
Later, an image circulated on Twitter showing a white bedsheet with the message: “We know where you live. Don’t sign.”
While it had been suggested on social media that the banner had been left outside the home of Benitez - where he lives with his family on the Wirral - Merseyside Police said it was left outside the wrong house as they confirmed an investigation into the incident.
Benitez was asked about the reaction to his appointment at Goodison Park, as well as how he felt about the banner, during his first Everton press conference on Wednesday afternoon and said: “The Evertonians around my place, they are quite happy and they were very supportive.
“Even the Liverpudlians, they were accepting it’s a chance and an opportunity for me to come back to the Premier League and to compete for something so it was quite good.
“Talking about the banners, we can talk about one, two people - you never know. I think it’s better to think about positives and how a lot of people were encouraging me to do well. I’m happy with that.”
Benitez outlined he is not fazed by opposition to his appointment and added, "I was convinced when I decided to say yes, or even decided to start talking. It's not something I'm scared of, it's the opposite. I want to win, I want to do well. That is to be competitive for me, to be ambitious."
The Everton manager was asked if he appreciated some Blues might have reservations surrounding his appointment and he said: "That is football. All I can say is I will fight for my team.
"For me it's a great challenge and opportunity to do well in the Premier League. I will be the first one pushing to get what we want."
The 61-year-old faced supporter backlash in 2012 too when took charge of Liverpool's domestic and Champions League rivals Chelsea on an interim basis.
Despite disapproval from sections of the Stamford Bridge fanbase, Benitez led the west London club to Europa League success and said: "When I was in Chelsea, in Cobham, I was going to the supermarkets and the fans were really good.
"The majority of the fans every day were fine. Liverpool is my city, now obviously a lot of people on the Blues side will be pleased if I'm successful."
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