Rafa Benitez launches attack on Sir Alex Ferguson

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has launched a furious attack on Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson.
Benitez claims that Ferguson is "the only manager who will not be punished" for verbally attacking referees. He produced a document which detailed what he claimed was evidence the Manchester United boss was above the footballing law.
And Liverpool chief Benitez warned Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari to “zonal mark” the United backroom staff at half-time to prevent them surrounding match officials when they play tomorrow.
"We had a Respect campaign meeting and I said forget it, because Mr Ferguson is killing the referees," said Benitez.
Benitez was responding to Ferguson's midweek comment that nerves might ruin Liverpool's title bid, before issuing his tirade against the United boss.
Ferguson, who was given a two-game touchline ban and fined £10,000 in November for remonstrating with referee Mike Dean, had his pre-match news conference before Benitez's and was unable to immediately reply.
Benitez's extraordinary outburst came after a journalist asked Benitez for his response to Ferguson suggesting that Premier League leaders Liverpool might get nervous in the run-in.
"I was surprised by what has been said, but maybe they (Manchester United) are nervous because we are at the top of the table," added Benitez.
The Spaniard then pulled out a sheet of paper and read out a list of accusations about Ferguson's conduct regarding referees, the FA's Respect campaign and fixture lists.
Liverpool are top – and if they win today they will be six points clear of second-placed Chelsea and ten ahead of the champions before the pair meet at Old Trafford tomorrow. Benitez sat with a sheet of paper, unfolded in front of him, from which he read a catalogue of grievances against the Manchester United regime.
The Respect campaign is the FA's programme of activities to combat unacceptable behaviour in the game at every level, both on the pitch and from the sidelines, which began in August last year.
"I want to talk about facts," said Benitez. "I want to be clear, I do not want to play mind games too early, although they seem to want to start.
"During the Respect campaign - and this is a fact - Mr Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and Keith Hackett.
"He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things.
"How can you talk about the Respect campaign and yet criticise the referee every single week?
"We know what happens every time we go to Old Trafford and the United staff. They are always going man-to-man with the referees, especially at half-time when they walk close to the referees and they are talking and talking.
"All managers need to know is that only Mr Ferguson can talk about the fixtures, can talk about referees - and nothing happens.
"We need to know that I am talking about facts, not my impression. There are things that everyone can see every single week.
"To complain and to always have an advantage is not fair."
Following Ferguson’s allegation that the fixture list was loaded against his team, Benitez mockingly suggested the United boss compile it in his office and then distribute it to the other Premier League clubs.
Benitez set out to prove the Old Trafford club gets favourable treatment from the FA and match officials claiming:
-Ferguson is considered untouchable by the authorities.
"Two years ago we had a lot of early kick-offs away on Saturdays when United were playing on Sundays. And we didn't say anything," said the Reds boss.
"Now he is complaining about everything, that everybody is against United. But the second half of the season will see them playing at home against all the teams at the top of the table, it is a fantastic advantage.
"At Christmas, United played on the 29th and the rest of the teams played on the 28th. We were away against Newcastle two days after playing Bolton. They were playing about 40 hours later, but they were not complaining then.
"If he wants to talk about fixtures, and have a level playing field, there are two options if we don't want more problems with fixtures.
"One is the same as in Spain, the draw for the first part of the league is known, everyone knows which weekend. In the second half everyone plays the opposite, so you all know.
"Sky and Setanta have the right to choose their games and it will be the same for everyone. So Mr Ferguson will not be complaining about fixtures and a campaign against United.
"Or there is another option. That Mr Ferguson organises the fixtures in his office and sends it to us and everyone will know and cannot complain. That is simple."
Meanwhile, Benitez has also revealed his disappointment that negotiations over a new contract are progressing slowly.
"My agent has not yet received any documents, and he is a little disappointed," said the former Valencia boss.
"But OK, we will see what happens. I do not want to say too much at the moment."

Rafa looks to stick to current squad rather than twist

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has hinted he is unlikely to do any major transfer deals in January. It has become clear that the Anfield chief is highly unlikely to delve into the transfer market this month, with very little prospect of any of his first-team squad stars leaving the club.
He said: "We do not need to go into the transfer market, we are certainly not desperate to do so.
"If we find we need something we will try, but it is always hard in this window and very expensive."
Benitez's hand has been strengthened by the return to fitness of striker Fernando Torres and defenders Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Alvaro Arbeloa.
He added: "We finished 2008 very well, we played with style and have scored a lot of goals. I am very pleased and happy with the situation and hope it will be the same in the new year.
"We have other players apart from Torres coming back from injury. There is Skrtel, Aurelio and Arbeloa all fit now. It will be like signing three new players."
"We are in a good position and I am happy to use the players we have now plus the ones returning from injury."
Liverpool have been strongly linked for moves with former striker Emile Heskey, now at Wigan, and Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson.
But the Reds have made no firm moves and Benitez is now looking increasingly likely to make an assault on three trophies with the players currently at his disposal.
The only departure is likely to be out-of-favour Jermaine Pennant, whose contract expires at the end of the season. And if a deal cannot be secured, Benitez will send the winger out on loan.
Benitez will rebuff any attempts by AC Milan to sign defender Daniel Agger, while Andreas Dossena, who would have been a possible departure, is now needed as back-up for Aurelio at left-back.
That is because Liverpool will lose impressive Argentinian youngster Emiliano Insua until February 8 due to the South American Under-20 Championships.
Insua has made a big impact in recent weeks, and the international call-up could not have come at a worse time for him.
He has recently broken into Benitez's first team and done well in four successive matches. But his enforced international departure has been offset by the return from injury of Aurelio.
One player, 17-year-old striker Marvin Pourie, is leaving the club in a £50,000 switch to Schalke. Pourie joined Liverpool's academy 18 months ago from Borussia Dortmund but has not made the breakthrough expected.
With things going well on the pitch, the club's controversial American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have opted for a low profile to maintain the club's concentration on their title bid. The widely-touted six-month extension to their £350m of loans has also been confirmed.
That move was always expected, with the club more than capable of meeting the interest payments. And the last thing Liverpool need now, after their experiences of last season, is a high-profile battle for control of the club.
The Americans will have to repay the £350m or sell up in the summer, and by then they hope for an easing of the credit crunch which will encourage potential buyers.
If Liverpool are champions, that will further help their cause.
Champions League qualification for next season should also by then have been assured. With a 10-point lead over fifth-placed Arsenal at present, it is a decent bet that Liverpool will finish in the top four again, and maintain the flow of UEFA cash into the Anfield coffers.
The date of Liverpool's FA Cup fourth-round home tie with Everton has been set for Sunday, January 24 - kick off 4pm - with the league visit to Wigan the following week moved from Tuesday to Wednesday, January 28.

Torres not back until New Year

Fernando Torres will not play for Liverpool again this year as he struggles to recover from a recurring injury.
The 24-year-old is currently out of action having suffered his third hamstring injury of the season during Liverpool's 1-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League.
Initially, it was hoped Torres would be fit to return within two weeks, but after the player flew to Barcelona for a consultation with one of Spain's top muscle specialists, Rafael Benitez is now refusing to commit to a return date for the Spaniard.
The Liverpool manager has vowed that the club will do everything in their power to get to the root of Torres' ongoing problem.
Torres twice suffered hamstring problems while playing for Spain last year and he pulled up injured in just the third league game of the current Premier League campaign at Aston Villa.
Although he returned to form, scoring twice in each of the away wins at Everton and Manchester City, he again broke down while on international duty for Spain.
He has now missed five league games as well as the two Champions League ties against his former club, Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool have investigated the cause of Torres' injury problems extensively by looking at the player's training regime, with the minutiae of his lifestyle, his choice of footwear and the way he walks also being scrutinised.
Torres was joined on the trip to Spain by Liverpool's Brazilian left-back Fabio Aurelio who was also examined in a bid to clear up a recurring calf problem.

Liverpool's Torres injured again just after comeback

Liverpool's Premier League title push suffered a setback on Thursday when their Spanish international striker Fernando Torres was ruled out for up to three weeks with a hamstring strain.

Torres, who had only just returned to the side after five weeks out with a similar problem, picked up the injury in the 1-0 Champions League win over Marseille at Anfield on Wednesday.Defender Fabio Aurelio will be out for a fortnight after picking up a calf problem in the same game.

A club spokesman told www.liverpoolfc.tv: "Fernando has a strain in his right hamstring and will be out of action for between two and three weeks. Fabio has a calf strain in his left leg and will be out for two weeks."

Marseille v Liverpool

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are set to be fit for Liverpool's Champions League opener in Marseille on Tuesday.
Gerrard (groin) played 22 minutes in Liverpool's 2-1 win against Manchester United on Saturday but Torres (hamstring) was an unused substitute.
Fabio Aurelio is ruled out with a calf injury but Javier Mascherano (knee) is set to start and Lucas is in the squad.
Marseille should be at full strength with Mathieu Valbuena (groin) and Hatem Ben Arfa (knee) both expected to start.
The pair came on as substitutes in Marseille's 1-1 draw at Girondins Bordeaux on Saturday.
Valbuena's spectacular goal at Anfield gave Marseille a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in last year's group stage but he was also in the side beaten 4-0 by Rafael Benitez's men two months later.
"We're full of confidence and must not show any inferiority complex," said the 23-year-old.
"We have no reason to be fearful. Liverpool are the favourites in the group and it's a good thing to start against them."
Liverpool go into the game buoyed by their first league victory over United, the Premier League and European champions, since April 2004.
"We did well against Manchester United but we must be focused on the next game, and that is Marseille," said Benitez.
"We must not allow ourselves to get carried away. We played well on Saturday but the Champions League is different.
"We have talked to the players about putting Manchester United out of their minds and just concentrate on the future."
Last season Liverpool began their group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw against Porto and then lost at home to Marseille and away to Besiktas.
They responded with convincing wins against Besiktas and Porto at home but it was not until the final match, the 4-0 win in Marseille, that their place in the last 16 was secured. "We do not want be making as hard work of it as we did last season to get through the group stage," said Benitez.
"Marseille are a better team than last season
when we met them. They are more organised and more aggressive.
"But we want to win the first game, and continue it that way - if we can do things better from the start this time around, it will be better for my heart."
Torres will hope to be 100% fit for the trip to Atletico Madrid, his former club, where Liverpool play on 22 October.
Benitez, therefore, may pair Robbie Keane and Dirk Kuyt in attack at Stade Velodrome.
Marseille's new English signing Tyrone Mears had hoped to feature but will miss out, with first-choice defensive regular Laurent Bonnart preferred.

Liverpool boss claims “it will be different at home” against Standard Liege: Is it too early to rely on the Anfield advantage in this critical season?

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has a lot of respect for first-team keeper Pepe Reina. However, after watching him save Liverpool’s blushes yesterday, the Spanish manager can now credit his keeper as well with helping him keep his dignity in the press room for another day. The 0-0 draw against the Belgian side Standard Liege means Liverpool head back to the fortress of Anfield with a distinct advantage that Benitez feels will carry them into the group stage of the tournament.
Benitez said: ‘It will be different at Anfield, where we are expected to win and we will have our own fans behind us. Liege had their very noisy fans for the first leg.’ (Daily Mail)
It will indeed be difficult for Liege to get anything out of their second leg visit to Merseyside; however, if you take a deeper look at Rafa’s comments, you have to wonder if the goateed-one is already becoming too reliant on the home advantage before the League season even starts. Last year the club ranked fourth out of the top four teams in the Premier League with a mere 24 goals away from Anfield — a number that will surely not get it done if they expect to contend past December. If Rafa and his new squad want to have a legitimate shot then they need to get a ruthless streak going away from home.
You can blame the lackadaisical play yesterday on a majority of the squad on the lack of time the first-team squad have spent together on the pitch this season. But if we’re using yesterday’s game as an example of how Liverpool are going to play away this year, then there’s no possible way that type of football will garner a Premier League title.
Rafa needs to let the squad loose a bit more in away matches, because defensive football can only get you so far. And when you’re goal is a Premier League title, that means taking some risks away from the home fortress.

Kuyt and Benayoun stay – Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists that Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun will not leave the club this summer.
Dutch forward Kuyt, 28, is a target for German club Hamburg while Benitez admits Roma are interested in midfielder Benayoun, also 28.
But Benitez, after meeting with both players on Thursday, said: "Neither of them will be leaving.
"I have no more news about Yossi - he will be staying. [And] I am really pleased with Kuyt. He will be staying."
It had been suggested that the Anfield boss would let both go in order to finance a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.
Liverpool have had a number of bids rejected for the England international, the latest of which was believed to be just short of Villa's £18m valuation.
But Benitez has made it clear he still considers Kuyt and Benayoun part of his plans.
"I have talked to Yossi and told him I want to keep him. He is a player with quality and has shown that during pre-season," he said.
"I also talked with Dirk Kuyt this morning. I am really pleased with him."
Liverpool signed Dutch international Kuyt from Feyenoord in August 2006 in a £10m deal while Israel's national captain Benayoun joined from West Ham in July 2007 for £5m.
At present Benitez seems no nearer to concluding a deal to bring Barry to Anfield, though Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill gave the green light to the deal - if the terms are right for Villa - at the weekend.

Rafa Benitez pleased with Fernando Torres-Robbie Keane strike force

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez declared himself pleased with the first outing of new strike force Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane after the Merseyside club cruised to a 4-0 win over Rangers in their challenge match at Ibrox.
Keane, who cost Liverpool £20million when he moved from Tottenham last week, linked well with the Spaniard in a first half which Liverpool bossed for long spells.
Torres gave the visitors the interval lead from close range after Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor had fumbled a long-range drive from French youngster Damien Plessis.
After both sides made five substitutions each at half-time, with Torres staying inside, 19-year-old striker David Ngog struck from the edge of the box for his first goal since signing from Paris St Germain before Yossi Benayoun made it three at the far post on the hour.
More substitutions followed before Xabi Alonso slotted the fourth from the penalty spot after Ibrox defender Kirk Broadfoot had clumsily pulled down Krisztian Nemeth in the box.
Benitez, who declined to comment on the continuing speculation about Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry coming to Anfield, was pleased with the way his front two led his side to an easy victory.
"Both players showed good movement and so did (Steven) Gerrard," he said.
"Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun were coming inside so I felt we had five offensive players, very clever and with quality so we were a threat all the time.
"Keane is very clever and he worked hard. He is very happy here and hopefully we will see a lot of good movement and also goals from him.
"Gerrard, Torres and Keane playing together was one of the keys to keeping possession.
"But I feel we have some good players in the team, different players with different qualities and a good mentality."
Despite the scoreline, Benitez, who also straight-batted questions about the continual booing of Keane by the home fans due to the former Spurs player being a Republic of Ireland international, insisted the Ibrox side offered a difficult challenge.
He said: "The first half was okay but in the second half they needed to go forward in front of their supporters.
"We had more space and we scored the second goal on the counter-attack.
"But from the start of the game we wanted to impress and we wanted to win.
"We worked hard, had plenty of possession and wanted to keep a high tempo with the ball.
"We scored once and had one or two problems near the end of the first half but we controlled it.
"In the second half, with the game more open, it was easier for us to keep the high tempo."

Alonso to play for Arsenal?

According to his agent, Arsenal are interested in signing Liverpool and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking for a midfielder to replace Mathieu Flamini, who signed for Serie A club AC Milan.
Alonso looked set to move to Italian giants Juventus this summer, but, the club eventually signed Sevilla's Christian Poulsen instead.
Liverpool have valued Alonso at £14 million, and his agent Inaki Ibanez says Arsenal are wiling to pay up. The sale would help fund a Reds move for Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry, who is valued at £18 million.
When asked about a possible Alonso move to the Gunners, Ibanez said: "The player knows about this subject and now the decision lies with Liverpool."
Xabi Alonso's agent has claimed the Liverpool midfielder is aware of interest from Arsenal.
The Spaniard has seen a possible move to Juventus hit the buffers after the Italian giants signed Christian Poulsen from Sevilla.
However, reports continue to suggest that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is prepared to sell Alonso to fund his own spending plans.
Alonso is rated in the £14million bracket and has now been linked with a move to the Reds' Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Up to Liverpool
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is in the market for a midfielder after losing Mathieu Flamini, while Gilberto Silva is set to join Panathinaikos.
Reports in Spain suggest contact has been made between the two clubs and the 26-year-old's agent Inaki Ibanez says the player is waiting for Liverpool's decision.
"The player knows about this subject and now the decision lies with Liverpool," Ibanez told Spanish newspaper Publico.
Alonso's sale would give Benitez the funds to sign Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal.

Rafa Benitez set to ring changes at Anfield

MAURICIO PELLEGRINO is poised to return to Anfield as Rafael Benitez attempts to bring Robbie Keane to Merseyside.
Argentinian Pellegrino, 36, who played 12 games for Liverpool in 2005, has been approached by Benitez for a second stint at the club, this time as part of his coaching staff.
Liverpool are also trying to prise Keane, 27, away from Tottenham Hotspur in a swap deal involving Peter Crouch.
Anfield insiders have confirmed that Benitez's interest in the Republic of Ireland's all-time leading goalscorer is genuine, but admit that it could prove difficult to reach an agreement with the north London club.
Keane, who netted 23 goals last season, is a big favourite with the White Hart Lane supporters, who voted him their player of the year having helped inspire Spurs to a Carling Cup victory.
Pellegrino's expected arrival will be part of Benitez's rebuilding of his backroom staff after a couple of high-profile departures.
The Spaniard's partnership with long-time assistant Pako Ayesteran ended last season.
Although the 45-year-old fitness expert's contract at Anfield doesn't officially end until today, he has not been present at Melwood for several months.
Ayesteran, who has been linked with several coaching positions both in England and Europe, also worked with Benitez at Tenerife and Valencia.
Former first team coach Alex Miller also left at the end of the season, to become manager of Japanese club JEF United Chiba, ending his nine-year association with Liverpool, having been brought in by former manager Gerard Houllier as chief European scout.
Benitez has already brought another former Liverpool player and staff member back to the club in Sammy Lee, who has been appointed assistant manager having worked as coach under Houllier. Although Pellegrino, who is back at Valencia as youth team coach, only played 12 games for Liverpool in the second half of the 2004/05 season and was generally considered to have lacked enough pace to adjust to the Premier League game, he was always a big favourite with Benitez. The pair had great success together at the Mestalla - winning two Spanish titles - and Benitez remains adamant that it was Pellegrino's run-outs during his short spell on Merseyside that enabled Sami Hyypia to stay fresh ahead of Liverpool's Champions League final victory.
Meanwhile, Anthony Le Tallec has finally formally ended his Liverpool career by signing for French First Division club Le Mans UC 72.
The 23-year-old, who can operate either as an attacking midfielder or striker, has spent the past four seasons away from Anfield out on loan at St Etienne (2004-05), Sunderland (2005-06), Sochaux (2006-07) and Le Mans (2007-08). Starting his career with Le Harve, Le Tallec impressed former Liverpool manager Houllier at the World Under-17 Championship in 2001 and arrived at Anfield two years later alongside Florent Sinama-Pongolle. However, neither player was able to hold down a regular first team place and Le Tallec made just 17 appearances for Liverpool.

Voronin makes Liverpool pledge

Andrei Voronin is determined to prove his quality for Liverpool Football Club next season. The Ukrainian international had a hit-and-miss debut season on Merseyside following his free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, but he is eager to make an impression next term. "I think I started not bad," Voronin told LFC magazine. "I played a lot at the beginning and scored a few goals. Obviously the injury was a setback. There are a lot of good players here. It's competitive, so it's difficult to get straight back into the team after an injury. "I'll do my best next season and hopefully I can help the team. I think I still have a lot to show the fans. When I first arrived here I didn't find it easy because I'd lived in Germany for 12 years. "I didn't know the language but I'm gradually getting there. My wife had a baby here and, thank God, everything was okay. So I am getting more and more used to life here everyday. "We are feeling much better than six or seven months ago. We like it here and don't have any problems with life in England or the town - except for the weather!"

Andriy Voronin is relishing the prospect of his second season with Liverpool and has promised supporters that his best is still to come.
The Ukraine international admits that he did not feature as much as he would have liked during his debut campaign at Anfield but insists that he is now happy with life in England and determined to show the club’s supporters just what he can do.
“When I first arrived here I didn’t find it easy because I’d lived in Germany for 12 years,” he said.
“I didn’t know the language but I’m gradually getting there.
“My wife had a baby here and, thank god, everything was okay. So I am getting more and more used to life here everyday.
“We are feeling much better than six or seven months ago. When we have time we go into town. We like it here and don’t have any problems with life in England or the town – except for the weather.”
Voronin feels he made an impressive start to his Liverpool career but added: “Obviously the injury was a setback. There are a lot of good players here. It’s competitive, so it’s difficult to get straight back into the team after an injury.
“I’ll do my best next season and hopefully I can help the team. I think I still have a lot to show the fans.”

Ian Rush has backed Ryan Babel to impress next season.

The Liverpool legend expects Babel to put his Euro 2008 injury disappointment behind him and really have an impact at Anfield next season.

"I think Babel will get better and better. It's a shame he's missing the championships because the experience would have done him a world of good," said Rush."I think we'll be looking for him to get more involved next season and play more games. When he runs at defences he's direct and he's a menace. He's big and strong and we'll see progress from Babel if he's back fully fit. "He's had a year now in the Premier League and he knows what it's all about, so hopefully he'll keep getting better."

It must be amazing to be a Liverpool player says Thierry Henry

THIERRY HENRY has once again revealed his admiration for Liverpool supporters after hailing Anfield as his favourite away ground in the world.
The France striker, who was speaking at the launch of Reebok's 'Your move' campaign in Barcelona recently, believes England boasts a number of atmospheric stadiums but insists he has never experienced anywhere with the same passion as on the red half of Merseyside.
"For my first few years at Arsenal we didn't do well there, but we improved," he said
"It's the atmosphere I love. It's unbelievable. I've played in a lot of stadiums but for me there is nothing like playing at Liverpool.
"Nothing can beat Highbury, of course, but playing at Anfield was great. The fans always sing and hold up their scarves before and after the game - whether they have won or lost.
"It must be amazing if you are a Liverpool player."

‘El Nino’ rubbishes exit talk

Fernando Torres has insists that he has no intention of leaving Anfield for Stamford Bridge. Roman Abramovich is a huge fan of the Spaniard there were reports suggesting that he will pay any amount to get his man. However, Torres is fully commited to Liverpool and has no intention of swapping the Liverpool for any other club.
“I have no intention of leaving,” said Torres to the Offish site.
“We have to focus our energies to give the little step we need to get to the top teams. If we only improve the team a little, we are going to manage to do so.”
“I want to say very clearly that I’m not on the market and it is my desire to continue at Liverpool. I am very happy at Liverpool and want to carry on.”
Liverpool’s Chief Executive Rick Parry also insists that ‘El Nino’ is not for sale.
“Fernando Torres is just not for sale to anyone,” said Parry.
“It is as simple as that, really - he is not going anywhere.” he added

Reds agree £14.2m Alonso sale

Reports on Friday claim Liverpool have now agreed a fee with Italian side Juventus for midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport say Liverpool have accepted an €18m (£14.2m) bid and state Juventus have made it clear this is their final bid for the player, as Liverpool were hoping for £16m initially.
The seemingly imminent sale of Alonso paves the way for Liverpool to up their bid for his replacement Gareth Barry, with a £13m bid having been rejected on Wednesday and Villa wanting nearer £20m for their captain.
Villa boss Martin O’Neill spoke about the Barry saga saying “Gareth and I had a little chat when he got back from holiday and he has said he would fancy going to Liverpool. That’s obviously a big setback to us, but the offer from Liverpool is just not acceptable. He was the last person to have the captain’s armband in the last England game - so the offer Liverpool have made is just not acceptable even though they have upped it.”
“I think it might be difficult to keep him because he has more than intimated to me that he fancies going to Liverpool so it’s a big setback to us. It’s very frustrating. We finished sixth and he played a major part in that and it was just looking like we could improve matters, because the club is capable of doing that.”

'I don't have any personal problems with Hicks and Gillett'

Belated recoveries were not limited to Liverpool's Champions League campaign last night as Rafael Benítez took his first genuine steps towards repairing relations with the club's owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
A fractious week inside Anfield ended with Benítez savouring the most emotional night of his Liverpool reign as supporters marched in support of the manager before kick-off and his players produced an ultimately impressive victory over Porto.
From a renewed position of strength it would not have been difficult for the Spaniard to reinforce his opposition to the transfer restrictions which had cast serious doubt on his future at the club. Instead, he made his clearest peace offering to the Americans, reluctantly accepting their revised work structure and insisting their relationship has not been irrevocably destroyed by his previous outbursts
. "I want to make it clear that I don't have any personal problems with the owners," said Benítez. "We were talking about some issues but it was nothing personal. I was not angry with them, just surprised. I was surprised with the situation in the end because I was trying to improve my club.
"OK, now I know I may have to wait but it was a strange situation. I was just trying to do my best for my club but I don't have any personal problems with Tom Hicks or George Gillett."
The Liverpool manager had suggested a thawing in the damaging dispute on the eve of the game but that merely extended to not aggravating his American employers any further.
He had previously infuriated the pair, and courted the sack, with two petulant public displays after their instructions to freeze his January transfer plans - an order that Benítez took as a lack of faith in his ability to bring the Premier League title to Anfield.
But last night he continued: "We need to talk in the future and we will see what happens then about transfers. This has never been about my ego, but it is my responsibility. I need to take care of my team, my squad and my club.
"It would be a lot easier for me to stay and do nothing, just pick up my wages at the end of each month but I want to be involved. We all want what is best for the club and I think the owners understand that."
Benítez's conciliatory tone was in marked contrast to his stinging criticism of the Americans following Liverpool's win at Newcastle last Saturday, and his insistence that he wants to remain involved in transfer policy, a requirement now handed over to the chief executive, Rick Parry, may yet prove a problem when the manager meets his employers on December 16.
Foster Gillett, George's son and appointed representative on the Liverpool board, was at Anfield last night to witness a fervent show of support for Benítez and his report home will certainly ease tensions with the co-chairmen. "This is not about me being in a stronger position at the club," added Benítez. "I think I am in the same position as before and we need to talk about the future and our ideas."
The possibility of qualifying for the knockout phase of the Champions League with victory over Marseille in France on December 11 will aid Benítez's reconciliation process as much as his post-match words. And the Liverpool manager was also keen to show his appreciation for those supporters who marched in his support before kick-off.
Benítez said: "I think this was the most emotional night I have had here because it is important to get through in the Champions League and because of what has happened in the last few days.
"It was not the most difficult time I have ever experienced, but it was strange. I was just trying to do my job properly and, at the end of the game, I enjoyed it a little bit. I want to say thank you to the supporters."

Benitez: Lay off Gerrard

Rafael Benitez believes Steven Gerrard is being unfairly criticised for Liverpool's recent slump in form.
The Reds go into Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton on the back a run of poor results.
Liverpool have won only one of their last four Premier League fixtures and Benitez is well aware that form cannot continue if his side are to mount a realistic title challenge.
Benitez admits Liverpool's recent displays - which also include a shock home UEFA Champions League defeat to Marseille - have not been good enough, but the Spaniard does not believe Gerrard's personal performances are to blame.
"I am really worried about the team over the past few games, because we are not playing at our level," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.
"You can talk about Steven Gerrard, because he is the captain, but you can talk about the other players also.
"I was disappointed when people were talking about (Mohamed) Sissoko and (Sebastian) Leto after the Marseille game.
"So I say the team is not playing well and you cannot pick out one player. It is the same situation with Steve.
"The team is working hard so we need to improve tactically and we need to improve our confidence."

Torres key to Liverpool quest

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has made major improvements to the side that reached the Champions League final last season before losing to AC Milan.
The key arrival is the signing of striker of Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid to boost the attack as Liverpool have lacked a true goalscorer since selling Michael Owen to Real Madrid in 2004.
Torres's convincing early season form suggests he can score the goals against Europe's big clubs that have previously evaded Liverpool.
Benitez is a proven master tactician on the European stage with wins over Barcelona, Chelsea and Juventus to boast of, although they have come in a limited defensive style.
Ryan Babel and Jermaine Pennant have been given licence to attack down the wings and create chances for the likes of Torres and Andriy Voronin and recently Liverpool thrashed Premier League strugglers Derby 6-0.
Ukrainian Voronin will fight it out with Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch to play alongside Torres.
Although Benitez has spent over 50 million pounds ($NZ141 million) in the summer his top player is still local boy Steven Gerrard.
The England international has been moved back into his favoured central midfield role where he can control games. He is the driving force of this Liverpool team and leads from the front to guide his side in times of adversity.
A toe injury has restricted his games at the start of the season but Liverpool have reacted positively by going to the top of the league for the first time in five years without him in the side.
Liverpool have good pedigree in the Champions League, having won the tournament five times - most recently in 2005 with their enthralling victory over AC Milan on penalties.
There is a feeling on Merseyside that supporters would rather end 18 years without a league title than lift the Champions League once more.
But Benitez will not sacrifice a chance of further European success and Liverpool are capable of lifting this trophy again.

RAFA PRAISE FOR EVER-PRESENT ARBELOA

Rafael Benitez today praised Liverpool's unsung defensive hero after Alvaro Arbeloa's 90 minute display at the weekend ensured he remains the only outfield player to play every second of every match so far this season.

The 24-year-old - who only started playing at left back for the first time this season - has been a constant figure in the first team as the Reds have climbed to the top of the table and qualified for the group phase of the Champions League. "Arbeloa has done a good job for us so far," said Benitez. "He is a young, fit boy and we know he is only going to get better in the future. "He wasn't used to the left back position at all but he has come in and performed very well. When you look how well he did on his debut for us up against Lionel Messi in Barcelona then you can see he is a player with ability. "His best positions are in the centre or on the right, so it shows his quality that he can come into a new team and adapt in a different role. "We've had international breaks and some problems with injuries this season and so we've used players who have been working with us and who are fit. He's taken the chances he has been given very well. "We're very pleased with him but he can still improve. He needs to keep working hard and if he maintains his form then I'm sure he'll play many more games for us this season." The boss has also spoken of his delight that while goals are flying in at one end of the field, the door has regularly been locked shut on opposition defences at the other end. "Over the past couple of years we have been very tight at the back and not given too much away. I'm pleased we've started the season in the same way," he said. "It's important when the forward players are scoring goals to make sure you're keeping them out at the back and at the moment we're playing well as a team unit."

RAUL: TORRES HAS DIFFERENT AIR

The Real Madrid captain claims life on Merseyside and in the Premier League is making his countryman a better player. "He was an icon at Atletico Madrid and had to make a personal decision, one that I respect. There is a different air about him now, and it looks like he is enjoying the experience," said Raul. "I watched his debut against Aston Villa on television, and I also saw his great goal against Chelsea. "There can be no doubt that he has taken an important step in the right direction. He gave a lot to Atletico Madrid, and this is a new challenge, though I am sure that he will triumph. "With a good coach like Rafa Benitez, and with the help of his Spanish teammates, the process of adaptation will be easier. There is no doubt that he will do well."