Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Rafa - No News On Contract

Rafa Benitez has revealed that he has had talks with Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but not over his contract.

Both Hicks and Gillett were at Anfield on Sunday to see the Reds overcome Chelsea and reaffirm their title challenge.

The joint owners, whose off-field differences is public knowledge, sat at different ends of the directors' box and have now returned to their native America.

The Liverpool tactician revealed that the three of them held discussions twice over the weekend, although the Spaniard offered no update on his impending contract.

"I have had a conversation with both owners. Before the game (against Chelsea) those talks were positive, after the game they were even more positive," Benitez said.

"I was happy with those conversations, but I know no more about my contract."

Liverpool lock horns with local rivals Everton in the FA Cup on Wednesday and the Reds boss feels his side have been boosted by their latest victory.

A fifth-round tie against Aston Villa or Doncaster awaits the winners of the fourth round replay, where the Merseyside pair will square off at Goodison Park in what will be the third clash between the two clubs in 16 days.

Benitez accepts that Liverpool's form had been patchy during the past few weeks, despite the fact that they have gone 16 matches unbeaten in all competitions.

But the Spaniard feels that Sunday's victory over Chelsea has been a major boost to team morale.

He said: "Everything was positive against Chelsea, so going into the derby we are very confident.

"In the first game, the league match, we did not play well. In the second game we were much better, so hopefully this replay will see us play like we did in the first cup tie.

"The players needed to show their character, and now we know we can beat anyone. It will be difficult at Goodison Park, but we can do it. The win over Chelsea has given everyone a lift.

"Now we have a really big cup tie at Everton, one I believe we can win and one that will give the fans something to be excited about after our win over Chelsea.

"Our win over Chelsea gave everyone a lift, especially as it was against a side at the top of the table with us."

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