Jose still rankles Rafa

Benitez: Mourinho fued

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Rafael Benitez was unable to muster any compliments for Jose Mourinho following the former Chelsea manager's Stamford Bridge exit.

While other Mourinho adversaries such as Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson found the time to speak up for the Portuguese, the Liverpool manager had nothing to say.

There was a shared animosity between Benitez and Mourinho which was heightened by the Reds' UEFA Champions League semi-final triumphs over the two-time Premier League champions.

Relationship

And Benitez said: "You know my relationship with him, it is better that I do not say anything.

"At the moment I am more worried about Birmingham boss Steve Bruce."

When quizzed further, the Anfield manager again preferred to concentrate on Saturday's Premier League clash.

Focus

Benitez added: "It is not a good idea for a manager to talk about other clubs in this situation.

"I would prefer not to say anything. What is clear is that Chelsea still have a good team with a lot of very good players.

"The best thing for Liverpool is to continue to focus on what we are doing and to continue to improve ourselves and play well. Not to think about what is happening anywhere else.

"That would be dangerous, I am more interested in Liverpool, not with any problems at other clubs."