Sunday, September 14, 2008

Rafa Still Waiting For New Deal

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has reportedly yet to receive the new deal that was promised to him by the club’s American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks, reports the Sunday Mirror.

The Spaniard has enjoyed a turbulent relationship with the owners since their arrival at Anfield, yet recent reports had suggested that some kind of peace had broken out between the three on Merseyside.

The Americans appear to have angered Benitez in the past by approaching Jurgen Klinsman about replacing him as manager and there also appear to have been difficulties with the club’s proposed new stadium and the issue of making finances available for new signings.

However, according to the Sunday Mirror the owners and the manager may be set for more difficulties after the paper revealed that Benitez has yet to receive a new deal that he had been promised by the owners.

Gillett and Hicks are reportedly at odds over offering the Liverpool manager a new deal which is causing the delay. Benitez’s current contract has just under two years left to run.

The manager himself refuses to be drawn on the speculation surrounding his future, saying only: “I cannot talk to much about me or this situation. My priority is to talk about the team.”

Benitez enjoyed a memorable day at Anfield yesterday as he secured his first victory over Manchester United in nine attempts. Despite going a goal behind in the third minute, the Reds ran out 2-1 winners with Ryan Babel securing the win with just over ten minutes to go.

No comments: