Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Everton manager Rafa Benitez's position will be under threat if they lose the Merseyside derby tonight.
Everton welcome their arch-rivals to Goodison Park this evening in need of a win to pull themselves out of a horrible slump of seven games without a win.
"If Liverpool win and win well, Rafa will no doubt feel a bit of heat from the Toffees support and the press, but that's football and he'll be ready for that," Rush told Gambling.com.
"We've seen it recently with Steve Bruce and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer losing their jobs – it's a ruthless industry – but Rafa is fully aware of what he's got himself in to.
"There's already pressure because they haven't won in seven league games and that run will be even harder to stomach if they lose to their local rivals on Wednesday.
"But I think people should be looking at the long term rather than the short term and I have no doubts Rafa will turn things around at Everton whatever happens in the derby.
"The Liverpool game is a big chance to make an impression, but if they don't get a result there are other big games coming up and they'll surely start winning."
Rush also admitted that while he was surprised to see Benitez put his Anfield loyalties aside to manage Everton, he does hope that the 61-year-old can turn things around at the Blues.
"When Rafa went to Everton I have to say I was a bit surprised, but I think he just wanted to get back into football and the Everton job came up," Rush added.
"He lives in the area, so it made a lot of sense in some ways, but it was a brave decision by him.
"He knows the people of Liverpool, he loves the city and is very connected with the locals and I think that's part of what attracted him to Everton where he's desperate to succeed and give their supporters something to shout about."
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