'Rafa's changed'

Benitez: Push push push

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Graham Hunter says friends of Rafael Benitez have noticed him become increasingly "difficult and demanding" since he went to Liverpool.

Benitez's future at Anfield is reportedly in the balance after a falling out with Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over the club's transfer policy.

And Spain-based journalist Hunter says people who know Benitez can sympathise with the American billionaires because the Spaniard's personality has changed significantly in the last few years.

He told Sky Sports News: "The greater deal of support for those who know Rafael Benitez here in Spain, is actually with the owners of Liverpool Football Club.

"Many people think that Benitez has changed significantly since he went to Liverpool. They explain this is why so many of his friends and supporters have left the club.

"They find him difficult and demanding - in a positive way sometimes because he wants the best for Liverpool - but also they think that he has become a man they don't recognise wholly.

"Therefore, some understand why the owners are frustrated with his constant push, push, push in the transfer market.

"This is the reason that Spain is cocked and ready for Rafa Benitez surprisingly departing Liverpool one way or another."