Hicks expects Benitez stay

Anfield co-owner undeterred by manager's contract rejection

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 16th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hicks expects Benitez stay

Hicks: Confident

I am absolutely comfortable that Rafa loves it at Liverpool, wants to be the manager and will be the manager.

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks
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Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has told Sky Sports News that he is confident manager Rafa Benitez will remain at Anfield for the long term.

The Reds boss has been in negotiations with the Premier League leaders, who he joined in 2004, for a number of months regarding a new five-year deal.

But the Spaniard revealed on Friday that he had turned down a contract offer because he was not satisfied with the amount of control he would be handed regarding transfer activity and the club's academy.

Hicks, though, remains positive that it will be possible to iron out any problems with Benitez and expects the former Valencia boss to stay on Merseyside.

"As Rafa says we have a strong relationship," said Hicks. "We understand Rafa's frustrations and we are committed to working with him.

Solution

"We will keep talking and find a solution."

Hicks insists he and co-owner George Gillett, who suffered a much-publicised bust-up with Benitez last season over the club's recruitment policy, understand their manager's decision to reject the deal.

However, the American businessman is adamant problems will be resolved and he expects to reach agreement in a meeting with Benitez when in England to watch Liverpool's home clash with Chelsea on 1st February.

"We are coming over for the Chelsea match and we had already planned to get together on 30th and 31st (January). We will clear up anything we need to," added Hicks.

"Rafa has been frustrated for a long time about the length of time it takes to make things happen and I think he is just trying to put himself in a better position to do his job. We can fix that and we will.

Comfortable

"I am absolutely comfortable that Rafa loves it at Liverpool, wants to be the manager and will be the manager.

"I will be working with Rafa to get this resolved - and I am just not worried about it at all.

"Rafa is going to be coach of Liverpool for the next five years, and we will work through all this.

"There are no issues between Rafa and the owners in any way. They are issues he wants to work out to make things better for the club."