Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Rick Parry Issues Rafael Benitez Title Warning

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has called for manager Rafael Benitez to close the gap on the teams who finished above the Merseyside club in this season's Premier League.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Parry said: "We have to be real contenders.

While Benitez will be pleased with the club official's desire to build, the Spaniard will be hoping Parry can persuade the club's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks to provide funds for transfer market.

Hicks will need to be persuaded that Parry can deliver the high-profile targets to Anfield, after blaming the chief executive's lack of clear communication in the failure to land some big name signings.

One message that will have been received by Benitez is the importance of the Premier League, as Liverpool have not finished top of the league table since 1990, something which rankles within the club's hierarchy and fanbase.

Meanwhile, Peter Crouch, who is thought to be one of the player Benitez is prepared to allow to leave Anfield this year as the manager seeks to raise funds for new players, has decided to see out the final year of his contract at Liverpool.

The England striker, who will be able to leave for free next year, has been shocked by the £15 million price-tag put on him.

The Star reports a source close to Crouch as saying: "Peter's been treated appallingly by Benitez.

"First there's been the lack of games, then Benitez claiming Peter had been offered a new contract.

"Now comes this £15 million price-tag, which is ridiculous. The best option is to see out his last year at Liverpool and then go for nothing."

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