Rafa - Row not serious

Benitez plays down problem with Reds owners

Last updated: 24th November 2007

Liverpool Benitez

Benitez: Problem not serious

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Rafa Benitez is confident his row with Tom Hicks and George Gillett is not serious, but has called on the Liverpool owners to understand the workings of the European transfer market.

The Liverpool boss was understood to be unhappy during the week as he sought money to add to his squad during January's transfer window.

Reds co-owner Hicks warned the Spaniard on Friday to focus on the players already at his disposal and to stop talking about signing new ones.

Speaking after his side's 3-0 win at Newcastle United on Saturday, Benitez was keen to play down any suggestion of a major rift with his employers.

Difficult

"I think they don't understand what the transfer window means in Europe," Benitez told Sky Sports 1.

"When you sign a player he needs to settle down. They don't understand how difficult it is to sign players.

"When you have the possibility now that you are free, you must do it or lose players. I'm trying to explain it, so it's okay.

"We will keep calm and I will try to keep focused on winning games for my supporters.

"I think it's not serious. If they understand what the market means for football here in Europe, they will understand I am trying to do my best for the club."