I will fight for Everton - Benitez

Rafael Benitez

is the first former

manager to be at the helm at

as he penned a three-year contract.

Some did not agree with his appointment and Merseyside Police is looking into a threatening banner which read 'We know where you live, don't sign'. However, the 61-year-old revealed that he lives in a positive neighborhood.

"

To be fair, the Evertonians around my place are quite happy and very supportive. Even the Liverpudlians accepted it was an opportunity for me to come back to the Premier League,"

Benitez said in his first Everton press conference on Wednesday.

"About the banners - we can talk about one, two people. You never know. It's better to think about positives, how a lot of people were encouraging me to do well.

"Football is quite emotional and everybody will have their opinions. For me it's a challenge, a chance to do well in the Premier League, and show everyone we can compete.

"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."

Benitez was in charge of the Reds from 2004 to 2010 and he referred to Everton as a “small club” back then in 2007.

When quizzed about that comment, he said:

"It depends on the context. It was a long time ago. You are fighting for your club and that is what I will do now. I will fight for Everton.

"I will try to do my best every single game. I am really pleased this club is getting bigger and bigger."

Duncan Ferguson

will be appointed as Benitez’s assistant manager as well as Francisco de Miguel Moreno

"

Duncan is an Everton legend and has great experience. He will be vital for us with his coaching expertise and understanding of the players,"

Benitez added.

The Everton manager was pressed about the club’s transfer targets; however, he decided not to name them when they mentioned Denzel Dumfries and Kalidou Koulibaly.

He said:

"The reality is that when you go to any club the manager has an important opinion, but you have to work in the context that you have a director of football, the board, financial restrictions.

"I'm quite happy with the commitment of the lads, they're training really well. I think we can improve things, and if we can add players that are good for us, that's the objective."

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