Premier League - Benitez denies rift with Americans

Eurosport - Tue, 13 Jan 16:17:00 2009

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has rejected reports of fresh conflict with the club's American owners over his role at the club.

FOOTBALL Rafa Benitez Liverpool manager - 0

Reports in the national press on Tuesday morning suggested Benitez's contract talks were in danger of collapse because of the Spaniard's apparent demand to have total control of Liverpool's transfer policy.

Benitez found himself in a power struggle with American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillet last season over his future, but he insists there is no trouble on the horizon with the pair.

"My agent only received the draft document of my contract on Monday evening so my surprise is that some journalists can talk about there being problems before I have even read it properly and discussed it," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

"We have agreed the length of contract and we have agreed the salary. Now we have to discuss my role and my responsibilities as manager of the club.

"But we haven't had the opportunity to do that yet.

"Someone has information and clearly wants to create a mess, but I haven't discussed anything yet because, as I say, the contract only arrived on Monday night.

"I don't have any problems at all with the American owners."

The Reds chief also rejected rumours that he was set to go head-to-head with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson again for the signing of Brazilian defender Anderson.

Both Liverpool and United have been credited with an interest in the Fluminense ace, but Benitez has denied Anderson is on his list of transfer targets.

"That is not true," added Benitez. "We are not trying to sign that player."

Team Talk / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 13 of 33

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  1. I agree, keep Benitez at Liverpool. He's such good comedy value it will be a shame to lose him. He brightens up a dull "sport" or should I call it a business?

    From Feltorange, on Tue 13 Jan 7:41PM

  2. Yes, at times Rafas team selection an substitutes seem negative or at the least strange, but where were liverpool before he came??. NOWHERE!!! An look at us now, top of the table halfway through the season. We have won 1 Champions league and made the final and semis of others, with no reason we cant go as far this time!! We have also won FA cup and beat Man u this season along with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge ending there unbeaten run. Rafa has taken us a long way if you look back. Who can say he wont take us further given time. GIVE THE GUY A BREAK!!! nobodys perfect.

    From quinn.patrick, on Tue 13 Jan 7:17PM

  3. mr ferrari u are a c ock who knows nothing about football

    From ANDREW L, on Tue 13 Jan 7:12PM

  4. Top of the Table, leave him alone. what do you all do for a living....

    From corinnedowey, on Tue 13 Jan 6:42PM

  5. The best thing that can happen to Liverpool is if Rafa was to leave. He knows nothing about tattics, and spends money on players which he then get rid off after a year, or leaves them sitting on the bench when we are drawing 0-0 and need to win. This bloke is the worst manager we have ever had. After 25 years of supporting Liverpool, I am fast becoming pissed off with Liverpool with this @#$% in charge. Sack the @#$% and then get a decent manager in.

    From mrferrari, on Tue 13 Jan 6:09PM

  6. Simple-sack Benitez,sell the club to the dubai group getting rid off the slimy yanks, sign up martin o'neil-end result-LEAGUE CHAMPIONS-SIMPLE......

    From Simon W, on Tue 13 Jan 5:21PM

  7. what's wrong with old rafa he seems to want a fight with everyone all of a sudden, since he went into hospital for his kidney stone's, i think he had a brain bypass operation instead

    From rc_alcock_the_scouse_bum_boy, on Tue 13 Jan 4:53PM

  8. Rafa go and grow a pair of balls....we should be miles ahead in the EPL

    From KK_in_London, on Tue 13 Jan 4:45PM

  9. Get the yanks out,its not a buisness its a footballing legacy that deserves respect and backing.
    The guys from Dubai will take us forward

    From !, on Tue 13 Jan 4:38PM

  10. wissam a i doubt united will be out of it as it will be liverpool instead

    From Paul T, on Tue 13 Jan 4:34PM

  11. LFC's my team,but individual teams aside,i think this season so far has been the best in years.
    Regardless of who wins the title,i know next season is going to be the best ever.
    Bring down the ticket prices and things will be sweet.....

    From !, on Tue 13 Jan 4:33PM

  12. They should reach a comprimise and hire Dennis Wise as their director of football. Give him the title of the Chief Vice President of Inter Office and Club Transfer Affairs; there is still more work that needs to be done on his resume!

    From alihatefi, on Tue 13 Jan 4:30PM

  13. Liverpool for the EPL! Chelsea are out and United to follow Sooner or later!

    From Domistiic, on Tue 13 Jan 4:23PM
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