Paul Merson has questioned Everton fans' reactions to Rafa Benitez's appointment as manager, claiming they should be 'dancing in the streets'.
Everton's decision to appoint Benitez is one of the most controversial moves in Merseyside footballing history.
The appointment split Everton fans, and reportedly even the board, with the Spaniard’s six-year spell at Anfield not forgotten by the Goodison faithful.
Benitez managed the Reds between 2004-10 leading them to Champions League and FA Cup glory, and a second-place Premier League finish.
The Blues' discontent was splashed across social media and banners left outside the manager's home.
However, TV pundit Merson does not understand the backlash the decision triggered.
In his Daily Star column, Merson said: "Rafa Benitez is a phenomenal appointment for Everton and I’m flabbergasted their fans aren’t doing cartwheels about it.
"I’d be dancing in the streets! He’s one of the best managers around. It’s Liverpool fans who should be going mental.
"He told them he loved the club and now he’s managing their rivals. That wouldn’t sit well with me if I was a Liverpool fan.
"I can’t understand Everton fans who don’t like this appointment. Who did they think they would get?"
Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo had been the favourite to fill Carlo Ancelotti's position at Goodison after the Italian's sudden departure for Real Madrid.
However, Benitez overtook the Portuguese manager to take pole position in the race for the role and Espirito Santo eventually filled the vacancy at Tottenham.
"If you’re a Tottenham fan you’re thinking: ‘Why haven’t we got him," questioned Merson.
"Benitez did a great job at Newcastle just to keep them up. But he’s worked at the biggest clubs in the world and I think he believes he can be successful at Everton.
"He thinks he can do something special. He wouldn’t have taken the job otherwise.
"But you’re only as good as your players, and they need to back him in the transfer market. They need to deliver for him."
The new boss is currently ramping up the Blues' pre-season preparations ahead of the squad's stateside trip as the start of his first season in charge inches closer.
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