Liverpool hero Didi Hamann is confident Rafa Benitez will be embraced by Everton fans.

Former Liverpool boss Benitez's arrival at the Blues on a three-year contract has caused major ructions among both clubs fanbases either side of Stanley Park.

Hamann told 2fm's Game On: “I think he will be loved by the Everton faithful.

“He's a top-class manager. I think he's a genius.

“He wants to manage back in the Premier League and if there is no other club where he can go to, I wouldn't hold it against him.

“When you look at his track record, what he did at Newcastle, what he did at Chelsea when he had a lot of fans against him when he first took over, he's just a brilliant manager.

“I think the Everton fans in about six months' time they will speak differently and maybe regret some of things they have said about him.

"He wants to manage back in the Premier League and if there is no other club where he can go to, I wouldn't hold it against him.

“I know how sensitive the situation is in Liverpool, but he left there (Liverpool) a long time ago and I think he will do very well there (at Everton)."