Sporting Life sporlife

Benitez Boosted By Talks

Wed 19 Dec, 12:15 AM


Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes he has cleared up any misunderstanding with the club's co-owners.

Benitez said talks with American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks following the 1-0 defeat by Manchester United at Anfield had been "very positive".

The meeting was held following a fall-out over the American's transfer policy.

Benitez was hurt by suggestions that perhaps he should stick to training and coaching and leave money matters to others.

But speaking publicly for the first time the meeting, he told the club's official website: "We needed to clarify the situation and it was a very positive meeting.

"The conversation was very fluid because we were face to face, whereas it's more difficult over the phone or by email.

"My English isn't always the best but having the chance to talk to them slowly and with time allowed us to analyse small problems. Now we can move forward."

Meanwhile midfielder Xabi Alonso could return against Chelsea in the Carling Cup quarter-final match on Wednesday following a 10-match absence with a metatarsal injury.

Alonso has made a full recovery after being sidelined since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in October.

Benitez said: "Xabi is training normally and should be available for the match at Chelsea.

"We are going into a busy period with lots of games so it is important to have our best players available."

Benitez believes his side can end Chelsea's excellent home form.

He told liverpoolfc.tv: "If you analyse Chelsea's home form you can see they haven't lost for a long time.

"So it's normal not to get too many good results there. They are really good in front of their own fans but we will try to change the situation.

"We have played a lot of games against Chelsea over the last three or four years. We know they are a top side.

"These games are very special and we seem to have a good record against them in cup competitions especially. We know if we play well then we can beat anyone.

"We are here to win trophies and so we want to get into the semi-final. We will fight until the last minute to get there."

More news from SportingLife.com