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Joe Cole insists Everton's decision to hire Rafael Benitez was a 'bad one'... as he criticises 'poor recruitment' and insists gap to Liverpool is 'HUGE' after falling behind in Merseyside derby

Joe Cole insists something 'doesn't sit right' between Rafael Benitez and Everton after they fell behind in the Merseyside derby.

The Toffees were 2-1 down at half-time at Goodison Park, with Demarai Gray halving the deficit after goals from Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and star forward Mohamed Salah.

Everton fans - who showed their ire towards the players during Sunday's defeat at Brentford - were seen leaving Goodison Park after just 20 minutes of the derby, therefore missing Gray's strike in the 38th minute.

Joe Cole insists something 'doesn't sit right' between Rafael Benitez (above) and Everton
Everton went two goals down in the Merseyside derby, with Jordan Henderson scoring first

And former Reds midfielder Cole believes the decision to appoint Liverpool 'legend' Benitez was a 'bad one', as he also slammed the club's recruitment over the past decade.