Moshiri DEFENDS decision to appoint Benitez as Everton's new manager

Everton's major shareholder Farhad Moshiri has defended his decision to appoint Rafa Benitez as the club's new manager.

Moshiri says Benitez - who will arrive at the club's Finch Farm training base to commence work on July 5 - had more 'passion and knowledge' than any of the other candidates.

He also said the fact Benitez will become the first man to have managed both Liverpool and Everton since William Edward Barclay in the 1890s was irrelevant - claiming the Spaniard's connection to the Reds is 'very distant'.

Moshiri said it was Benitez's in depth knowledge of '3,000 players' that landed him the job at Everton.

He also said that the former Liverpool manager's 'winning mentality' played a factor in his appointment - having won the Champions League ad the Europa League.

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Moshiri said: 'His passion, I think the single word is we didn't find anyone with his passion and knowledge for football.

'He would not stop talking! on a computer he has about 3,000 players details, he knows everything about them, their injuries and such. He doesn't stop.

'You would think his life is football, nothing else. He is an intelligent man who is obsessed with football.

'You need to bring passion to your team and at this stage we are at a major stadium project and you need to go for experience and a winning mentality.'

Moshiri took charge of the recruitment process ahead of director of football Marcel Brands. As a result, he was responsible for the final say over Liverpool boss' appointment.

His decision had received a divided opinion among the Everton fans - with many hanging negative banners outside the club.

Moshiri said he is conscious of the fans feelings when looking to appoint a manager and that has previously taken them into consideration when looking to appoint David Moyes.

However, he believes this move is in the best interest of the club's supporters and that they should not be concerned about his history with their rivals, Liverpool.

He said: 'I am the biggest fan and I have reacted ahead of fans where there has been discontent.

'I think when there were rallies and banners against Martinez I acted. When I wanted to get David Moyes but there were protests I didn't take him.

'But I think this is a case where I think the connection (to Liverpool) is a very distant connection.

'He was as much the Liverpool manager as the Napoli manager or Valencia manager or Real manager.

'He is a professional manager, dedicated, who gives his soul to every club he has been to.

'You need to pick up professionals who are dedicated and give everything to their team.

'The man is in love with the City of Liverpool, not so much one particular club before he joined us.'