Parry To Play Peacemaker With Rafa

Liverpool chief executive is keen to patch things up between himself and club manager Rafael Benitez, following recent rumours the two were at odds over the Jurgen Klinsmann debacle.

The ongoing war of words behind the scenes at Anfield is gravely compromising the prestigious club's integrity, but the owners, the manager and the chief executive are deeply embroiled in a saga that does not look like ending any time soon.

The latest developments have come with co-owner Tom Hicks asking chief executive Rick Parry to resign due to what he deemed incompetence in his position.

Parry refused, and looks unlikely to walk, as he has the backing of fellow co-owner Gillett - who is currently at odds with his business partner - as well as former owner and board member David Moores.

However, Rafa Benitez's influence could yet prove pivotal. It is rumoured the Spanish tactician is disillusioned with Parry's involvement in the saga that saw the club hold a meeting with German legend Jurgen Klinsmann, presumably with a view to lining him up as Rafa's replacement.

Parry, though, is intent on maintaining good relations with Benitez, who said yesterday he would be demanding answers as soon as possible regarding many of the recent revelations in the press.

Attending a memorial status on Monday for the Hillsborough disaster, Parry was quoted as saying: "I am more than happy to sit down and talk to Rafa about this."

However, Rafa's alleged displeasure with Parry could put his job under threat once more. With the drama seemingly endless and the majority of the board in favour of Parry, should Benitez be unable to resolve his issues with the chief executive or simply lose his patience with the unstable ownership, the Champions League winning manager could leave.

There are several European clubs who may be looking for a new manager this summer, and while the Special One, Jose Mourinho has been linked with so many of them, Benitez could be an equally attractive candidate in some quarters.

Both Milan clubs have had issues with their respective coaches, while Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have had coaching issues, though the latter club look far more likely to make a change this summer. Also, Rafa's old club Valencia are in some degree of turmoil despite being in the Copa del Rey final against Getafe on Wednesday.

Liverpool star striker Fernando Torres - a Madrid native, like his manager - is hopeful and optimistic that his boss will be going nowhere.

"I think and hope Rafa is going to be at Liverpool for a long time," he declared. "He is backed by the players and fans and his record is there for all to see."