JAMIE CARRAGHER is stunned by Rafa Benitez’s split loyalties ahead of Monday night’s Merseyside derby.
The Spanish manager’s old clubs Liverpool and Everton meet at Anfield in a clash that’s crucial for unwanted reasons.
The Reds’ expected title challenge has turned into a mid-table struggle, while the Toffees need victory to move out of the Prem drop zone.
And former Liverpool defender Carragher is amazed at Benitez’s inability to choose between the two sides.
The ex-Real Madrid and Newcastle chief won the Champions League in 2005 and FA Cup the following year as Anfield boss from 2004-2010.
But in his last job he lasted just seven months at Goodison Park.
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Everton sacked him in January 2022 after nine defeats in 13 games left them 15th, six points above the relegation spots.
Now the Toffees have posted a quote from Benitez revealing: “I can’t say” – when asked about his derby preference.
And ex-England star Carragher replied to the tweet with two ‘mind-blown’ emojis.
Benitez gives his full verdict in a new book by Peter Kenny called “Crossing the Park: The Men Who Dared to Play for Both Liverpool and Everton”.
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The only other person to manage both clubs was William Barclay… in the 19th century!
In fact, the Dubliner was both teams’ first boss – for Everton from 1888-89 and Liverpool from 1892-1896.
Benitez wrote: “When I first arrived at Anfield I was surprised by the people, they were very friendly.
“They tried to help with adapting to the new place from day one.
“Then at Everton, there were a lot of friendly people, but the difference was that some looked at you differently, they couldn’t forget the past with Liverpool.
“I feel at home in Merseyside, my family is completely at home here and that is important.
“The Liverpool fans are still kind and close today, many of the Everton fans know what actually happened and are, let’s say, friendly.
“I can’t say I’m more Liverpool or Everton today. Logically, in six years there were a lot of highs at Liverpool, but I still have good friends amongst the Everton fans.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
