Benitez denies war with owners

Reds boss insists he is working with Hicks and Gillett

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 6th February 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Benitez denies war with owners

Benitez: No war with owners

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has moved to counter claims that he is 'at war' with the club owners over his contract.

Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso had spoken earlier on Friday about the ongoing struggle for power between the Reds owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and Benitez.

Alonso voiced his opinion on the matter citing that he reckons the Spanish tactician will come out on top should a feud between the involved parties break out.

But the Liverpool boss has responded to his midfielder's recent claims in a bid to calm down talk of a war between himself and the club's chiefs.

Peace

Benitez said: "We are not in a war, we are working together trying to improve and we are looking for the best things for the team.

"We are still talking over my contract, but there is no more progress yet.

"We are talking; we do not have any problems. But we do have different ideas in different things so we will keep talking."

With Steven Gerrard ruled out for three weeks following his hamstring tear against Everton midweek, Liverpool's attacking threat has become seriously depleted.

But Benitez is more than satisfied with his squad and believes Dutch duo Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt will provide the title challengers with enough ammunition in their talisman's absence.

He said: "I still feel that we have enough quality in our squad to cope with such problems, we have plenty of players who can fit in up front and in midfield.

Options

"We must play a few games without Stevie, but we have options even after selling Robbie Keane.

"I am really pleased with Ryan Babel's progress at the moment, and in Dirk Kuyt we have a player you can guarantee will play well and give everything.

"He is a fantastic player, a great professional and he is always positive. He is not a player you need to talk much to about coping with difficult situations.

"If Torres is ready, that is another important option. But I also believe we have good young players who can come in."

Benitez will be without the suspended Lucas and also has a worry over Alonso who is nursing an ankle injury.