Seamus Coleman has called on Everton’s fans and players to get behind Rafael Benitez.
Benitez was unveiled as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor on Wednesday, becoming the first manager since 1892 to take charge of both Merseyside clubs.
But many Blues supporters met the Spaniard’s appointment with disapproval due to his Liverpool links and previously denigrating them as ‘a small club’.
A series of banners were unfurled outside Goodison Park in addition to a more sinister message warning ‘We know where you live’ close to Benitez’s home.
However Coleman believes that all factions of the club must be united in its support for the 61-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract.
“It’s been an interesting summer in terms of losing the manager,” he told Newstalk’s Off The Ball show.
“Obviously I’ve been around the club long enough to know and I’m aware of supporters who know of the manager’s history.
“But I think now as a group of players, as a group of as a group of supporters, as staff members, ultimately, we want what’s best for Everton.
“To get what’s best for Everton, we all need to come together now and look forward to the new season.
“Unfortunately, I’ve probably been having these talks too many times, because I think as a club the managers’ situations has been changing a lot and that’s never a good sign.
“We’ve lost some managers along the way and that’s been disappointing.
“But I think now as a group, we need to all come together and be as positive as possible.
“There have been too many seasons that have just dwindled out and we need to get that right.”
He added: “Ultimately, you’ve got to understand big Everton supporters and that rivalry. But on the other hand, the decision is made.
“The manager has managed Liverpool, but in the meantime he has been to manager a lot of different clubs in between.
“As players and staff, we need and want what’s best for Everton Football Club There have been too many seasons that just dwindled out, which has been disappointing.
“That’s on me and a lot of the players, and me as captain in the last couple of years. it’s been a massive disapponting. But now, we’re ready to go again.
“We all have to come back and impress the new manager and make sure we’re in his plans come pre-season and the start of the new season as well.
“Like I keep talking about, and I’m not embarrassed to say it, we want what’s best for Everton and we want to be successful.
“I’m sure fans are sick hearing me say it but I’ll keep saying it until the day I kick my last football for Everton: we want to win a trophy at that football club.
“This is a new start for us all again, a new opportunity and the manager has come to be successful.
“He’s come to work for Everton Football Club, to be part of the Everton family and give his all because ultimately he wants to be as successful as he can.
“As a group, we all need to look forward and be as positive as we can.”
The Republic of Ireland international also revealed that he is in talks with Everton about a new contract as his current deal enters its final 12 months.
“I’ve been talking to the club over the last little while,” admitted Coleman.
“I’m in no panic. I’m not knocking down any doors to sign any deals, and I mean that in the best possible way with respect to Everton.
“I’m really happy there and work hard like I did when I came over as a 20-year-old.
“Nothing’s changed. I want to give every last ounce of energy that I have left in me and play as long as I possibly can. We’ll see what that brings.”