Steven Gerrard has admitted he was 'surprised and shocked' that his former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez took the Everton job in the first place.
Liverpool legend Gerrard was captain under Benitez during his six years at Anfield and they went on to win the Champions League and FA Cup together.
After his controversial appointment as Everton manager in June, the Spanish coach’s short-lived spell came to an end last weekend, following a dreadful defeat to Norwich City.
Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Goodison Park on Saturday, Aston Villa boss Gerrard shared his thoughts on Benitez ’s decision to join the Blues, given his bond with the Liverpool fanbase.
"I'm disappointed for Rafa because obviously I've got a relationship and I've got an awful lot of respect for him," the 41-year-old said in his press conference on Friday.
"I have to be honest, I thought it was a unique appointment at the time. I was surprised and shocked that Rafa wanted to go and have a go at that job.
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"With his legacy and his relationship with Liverpool, that was a surprise.
"Obviously it hasn't worked out for whatever reasons. You'd have to be inside the club to know why, which is none of my business."
Gerrard will come up against Duncan Ferguson in the Everton dugout this weekend, conjuring up memories among both fanbases of Merseyside Derby games from yesteryear.
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri took the decision to part ways with Benitez after a poor run of results left the club with one win in 13 league games and sitting in 16th place.
Former Blues striker Ferguson has taken temporary charge, with both Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard among those linked with the job on a permanent basis, after initially approaching Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.
