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Rafa Benitez has given his first press conference since becoming manager of Everton and admitted the decision to cross the Merseyside divide was not a difficult one.
The appointment of Benitez rocked the football world, after Everton opted to go for one of the former managers of their bitter city rivals Liverpool.
Benitez's unveiling was met with fury from large sections of the fanbase, with banners placed outside the stadium and across Merseyside insisting the Spanish boss would not be welcomed.
Rafa Benitez has addressed Everton fans in his first press conference as Toffees manager
Benitez insists he is up for the fight and wants to make Everton a force to be reckoned with
Despite the uproar, however, Benitez has used his first public address as Everton boss to outline that he is not afraid of any backlash.
'It was easy for me as I wanted to come back with a competitive team. For sure no [I wasn't put off by the banners]. I was convinced this was a great opportunity,' said Benitez.
'It's not something I'm scared of. It's the opposite.
'About the banners - we can talk about one, two people. You never know.'
Hostile banners were placed outside Goodison when Benitez was confirmed as manager
