Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Rafael Benitez will turn things round at Everton, but thinks he may "feel a bit of heat" in Wednesday's Merseyside derby.
The focus is squarely on Benitez going into the first clash between the two rivals of the season.
The Spaniard was controversially appointed as the Everton boss in the summer following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, with a number of supporters against the decision due to Benitez's connections with Liverpool.
While the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan coach enjoyed a strong start to life at Goodison Park, things have unravelled spectacularly in recent weeks.
A succession of injury problems have ruined the spine of Everton's team and ahead of the midweek fixtures they are down in 14th place in the Premier League table.
After the 1-0 loss to Brentford on Sunday, the travelling Everton support made their discontent known to the players at the final whistle. And Rush believes there could be more invective on the way if the Toffees falter against their rivals.
"If Liverpool win and win well, Rafa will no doubt feel a bit of heat from the Toffees support and the press, but that's football and he'll be ready for that," he said.
"We've seen it recently with Steve Bruce and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer losing their jobs – it's a ruthless industry – but Rafa is fully aware of what he's got himself in to.
"There's already pressure because they haven't won in seven league games and that run will be even harder to stomach if they lose to their local rivals on Wednesday.
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"But I think people should be looking at the long term rather than the short term and I have no doubts Rafa will turn things around at Everton whatever happens in the derby.
"The Liverpool game is a big chance to make an impression, but if they don't get a result there are other big games coming up and they'll surely start winning."
Rush knows all about the fixture, with his 25 goals in the Merseyside derby unmatched by any player in history.
