Curbs questions Rafa treatment

Hammers manager wary of foreign investment

By James Dall   Last updated: 29th January 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Curbs questions Rafa treatment

Curbishley: Benitez support

Football is not the same business vehicle as some of the chairmen have been used to - and they are going to have to learn that

Alan Curbishley
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West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley has questioned the actions of Liverpool's owners.

Curbishley's comments follow ongoing uncertainty surrounding Rafa Benitez's position in charge at Anfield.

Reds co-owner Tom Hicks raised further doubts over Benitez's long-term future at Liverpool by revealing that he and George Gillett had held talks with Jurgen Klinsmann about possibly replacing the Spaniard.

Benitez has since played down reports of a rift, and voiced his confidence at staying on as Liverpool boss for at least another year.

And while Curbishley is sure Benitez will remain as Liverpool manager, he is unsure if the growing investment from abroad is having a positive effect on the game.

Traditions

He told Sky Sports News: "What is happening now - in the atmosphere we have got in the Premier League with new owners appearing every month - is that perhaps they are not really up on the way football is and the traditions, and the way to perhaps conduct yourself.

"I am sure they are learning. A loose comment here and a loose comment there can make a big difference.

"But I think Liverpool do their talking on the pitch. If you look at the club, I know the Premier League has been out of reach but they have won everything else.

"Over the years they have always backed their manager - whoever it may be - and I am sure they are going to back Rafa.

"Liverpool are Liverpool, and I think football is not the same business vehicle as some of the chairmen have been used to - and they are going to have to learn that."