Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is mindful that an ongoing ‘tug of war’ between manager Rafa Benitez and American co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks does not impact on performances on the pitch.
Benitez is seeking assurances over his remit, particularly in the area of transfers in which he wants complete control, before he signs a new contract.
“The owners and Rafa seem to be involved in a tug of war,” said Alonso.
“Even if they are trying to resolve it for the better of the club, there is no question in my mind when you have the right man for the job, securing his continuity is important.
“We’ve been through our bad moments but constant change, or change for the sake of it, isn’t a good thing at a club like this.
“It’s a subject between Rafa and the owners and the team must not let it affect us at any cost but my personal bet is Rafa will stay with Liverpool.
“When he came here, Liverpool had a massive history but they had lost competitiveness compared to the other European greats - and had spent a long time without winning major trophies.
“From his arrival to now, you can feel the progress and that he’s put Liverpool back where they once were - among Europe’s greats and aspiring to win everything we enter.”
The ongoing dispute between manager and owners is adding to a sense of unease at Anfield as the club attempt to win their first league title since 1990.
Though Liverpool remain just two points behind Manchester United, their form since the New Year has been unconvincing and, after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Everton, they have now lost Steven Gerrard to injury for the next three weeks.
Gerrard will also miss England’s friendly match against Spain on Wednesday.
The midfielder’s absence will be a huge concern for Liverpool as they make the awkward trip to Fratton Park to play Portsmouth on Saturday.
Benitez said: “He is an important player for us. It is always more difficult to play without him.
“But you can’t change things so it is better to concentrate on the next game.”
Benitez is seeking assurances over his remit, particularly in the area of transfers in which he wants complete control, before he signs a new contract.
“The owners and Rafa seem to be involved in a tug of war,” said Alonso.
“Even if they are trying to resolve it for the better of the club, there is no question in my mind when you have the right man for the job, securing his continuity is important.
“We’ve been through our bad moments but constant change, or change for the sake of it, isn’t a good thing at a club like this.
“It’s a subject between Rafa and the owners and the team must not let it affect us at any cost but my personal bet is Rafa will stay with Liverpool.
“When he came here, Liverpool had a massive history but they had lost competitiveness compared to the other European greats - and had spent a long time without winning major trophies.
“From his arrival to now, you can feel the progress and that he’s put Liverpool back where they once were - among Europe’s greats and aspiring to win everything we enter.”
The ongoing dispute between manager and owners is adding to a sense of unease at Anfield as the club attempt to win their first league title since 1990.
Though Liverpool remain just two points behind Manchester United, their form since the New Year has been unconvincing and, after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Everton, they have now lost Steven Gerrard to injury for the next three weeks.
Gerrard will also miss England’s friendly match against Spain on Wednesday.
The midfielder’s absence will be a huge concern for Liverpool as they make the awkward trip to Fratton Park to play Portsmouth on Saturday.
Benitez said: “He is an important player for us. It is always more difficult to play without him.
“But you can’t change things so it is better to concentrate on the next game.”
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