Everton boss Benitez confident frustrated fans behind players for Liverpool clash

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Everton boss Benitez confident frustrated fans behind players for Liverpool clash

Everton boss Rafa Benitez has urged frustrated fans to get behind his players ahead of tonight's derby against Liverpool.

Everton's away supporters were livid with their own team immediately after Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Brentford, with Toffees fans showing V signs to their players and shouting abuse at them.

"As a manager you want to win and do well," Benitez told a press conference. "It's a challenge for me and I can understand the frustration from fans.

"It's been some years we are not improving. I think the fans are intelligent and know we need them.

"You can complain when players are not playing well or tactics are not working but at the same time they cannot complain about the effort. It's a derby, I'm sure they will be behind the team."

Benitez admitted Everton will be looking to "change things" following their barren run of form.

"With Newcastle (and) Chelsea, I've played against Liverpool," Benitez added. "This time it is different. It will be an opportunity for us to change things.

"It's a massive game for us, the derby is always an opportunity to put things right. A derby is always special in every country but I live in the city so the passion is massive and really important for everyone.

"That's why I want to win and do well because for us as a club, it's important to bring back the confidence and use an opportunity to change things for the rest of the season."