Friday, June 12, 2009

Benitez Admits Valencia Sorrow


Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has expressed his sadness at the financial downfall of his former club Valencia.

The Spaniard won two Primera Division titles during his spell in charge at Estadio Mestalla but has slammed the handling of the club since his departure.

Valencia finished sixth this season but look set for a player exodus as the club battle against financial meltdown.

The expected big-money sales of star players David Villa and David Silva could help balance the books and Benitez believes their new president can turn things around.

"From my exit of Valencia the club have committed many errors and the new president Manuel Llorente is the correct person for the solution of the crisis," Benitez told Spanish newspaper Superdeporte.

"I have problems with Llorente but that is the past and now is forgotten.

"All clubs need to move with much intelligence in the market during this summer of crisis."

Benitez was sharp to dismiss links of a move for Silva and insists that although he would one day welcome a return to Valencia, he is currently very committed to his job at Liverpool.

"I do not speak about Silva for to avoid more confusion in these times of rumours," he said.

"In Liverpool I am happy because I am working with a group very committed in its objectives."

Liverpool finished runners-up in this season's campaign and although finishing the season trophyless, the club accumulated their highest ever Premier League points tally.

Benitez added: "Liverpool have developed in a very good season. We have used a different style in comparison with Man Utd or Chelsea.

"For me it is clear that today it is more difficult and complicated to win the Premier League than La Liga.

"The arrival of the millionaires to the Premier League changes the schemes. Manchester City and Portsmouth could generate many problems to the habitual title candidates."

No comments: