Rafa Benitez discusses taking the Everton job during his first day in charge.
Former Liverpool manager Benitez was appointed by Everton on Thursday in a controversial move.
Discussing doubts about his Reds background, Benitez assured fans he will be fighting for them, insisting returning to Merseyside is something he’s long wanted with his family happily settled on The Wirral.
Speaking to the club’s website in his first interview as Everton boss, Benitez said: “You can see the ambition is there. This club is growing.
“For me, it is about bringing the winning mentality, being competitive, so everything is in place on the pitch and off the pitch.
“I love the passion of the people behind the Club. I know the city, I know Scousers, I know what it means for every fan here to compete and to have the chance to win. To come to Everton is something that means a lot, for sure.
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“You can see the ambition of the owner, of the Board, everybody wants to be better and to go to the new stadium with a massive boost.
“I like to compete. I like to win. I came from the academy at Real Madrid [as a young player and coach], and the winning mentality is already there.
“We [myself and my coaching staff] have won 13 titles because we have this mentality and I still want to win.
“And I have come to Everton because I liked the idea to be competitive again – and to have the chance to compete in every game, to compete against anyone.”