Sam Allardyce believes former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is 'exactly the same' as him when it comes to being a 'defensive-minded coach'.
There has been little love lost between the pair, who have exchanged numerous barbs over the years, and they both had very different experiences in the home dugout at St James' Park.
While Benitez was adored by supporters, Allardyce did not prove quite so popular and the Dudley native was the first manager sacked by owner Mike Ashley following the billionaire's takeover of the club a few months previously.
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Benitez followed in Allardyce's footsteps when he became Newcastle boss in 2016 and the Spaniard may be about to manage another of his old rival's former clubs.
Indeed, Benitez has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as Everton's new manager and the 61-year-old could become the first man to take charge of both Merseyside clubs after previously winning the Champions League and FA Cup with Liverpool.
Allardyce spent six months at Goodison Park and, when asked about the mooted appointment, the former England boss acknowledged Benitez's 'very good' track record before claiming that the pair are actually more alike than they would have you believe.
"I have to say that if you call me a defensive-minded coach, Rafa is exactly the same as I am.," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "He bases his performances on clean sheets and building from there and has done throughout his career.
"So if they are talking about open, expansive football, I do not think that will be the case if they are employing someone like Rafa.
"It will come eventually depending on what players they let go and bring in. Everton have been desperate for success since Farhad Moshiri took over. He's put a huge amount of money in that has built the club's expectations so high - it's difficult for the players there to live up to that.
"I think it is now six managers in seven years at Everton. That needs some stability in terms of the manager staying in place for a few years to get it right."
