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'I couldn't do it because I was RED': Rafael Benitez admits his ties to Liverpool made it extremely difficult to succeed with their fierce rivals Everton as Spaniard opens up on his struggles at Goodison Park

Rafael Benitez has admitted his Everton tenure was doomed from the start due to his ties to their bitter local rivals Liverpool.

The Spaniard, 62, was Reds manager for six years, winning the Champions League in 2005, but took over at Goodison Park in June 2021 amid much opposition from fans, who put up a banner near his home saying 'We know where you live. Don't sign'.

Benitez, sacked in January after nine defeats in 13 games, opened up on the difficulties making things work - telling Football Daily he couldn't make the changes he wanted due to potential accusations he was changing things too quickly.