Skrtel Happy With Liverpool Return

Martin Skrtel is delighted to be back in the Liverpool side following his recovery from a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks.

The centre-back started the goalless draw against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday after emerging from the bench to make his comeback in the 5-1 dismantling of Newcastle United at St James' Park. He was obviously pleased to be back in the team, but acknowledged that he still has some work to do on his match fitness.

"I felt fine in my first full game after recovery," he told TASR. "I must admit though that in the last five minutes I was exhausted.

"Overall though, I am positive about my performance."

Skrtel was also upbeat about the draw at Stoke, even though Liverpool have now dropped four points to the Potters this season with two draws. Skrtel feels that Tony Pulis's men are genuinely difficult opponents.

"It was a very difficult game. We played against a good team that played well," he continued.

"Stoke have a lot of tall and strong players in their squad, so it was difficult for us. They played rather aggressively and pushed up front. This style of football will cause problems for any Premiership side.

"We were not lucky. We had some chances there, but Stoke also had some, so the result was fair in the end."

Next up for Liverpool are two Mersey derbies with Everton, a league game next Monday closely followed by the FA Cup fourth round tie six days later. Both games are at Anfield.

Jermain Pennant's Agent Dismisses Hull City Lin

Liverpool winger Jermain Pennant has been linked with a host of clubs during this transfer window, ranging from Wigan Athletic to Real Madrid.

Hull City also recently stepped into the ring as reported potential suitors for the player, as manager Phil Brown tries to find reinforcements to prevent the Tigers being dragged into a relegation battle.

Pennant will not be moving to Humberside though, the player's agent, Sky Andrew confirmed today.

Mr. Andrew also stated that Pennant was not looking to play for another club in the Premier League, which may cause those overseas clubs reportedly on the player's trail to prick up their ears.

"Jermaine is still talking to Liverpool," Mr. Andrew confirmed to The Hull Daily Mail.

"He does not want to play for another club in the Premier League and wants to stay with Liverpool."

Wage demands had apparently caused Pennant's reported move to Real Madrid to stall, but the 25-year-old looks like remaining at Anfield for the moment.

One More Year For Hyypia If Agger Leaves Liverpool

According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool are set to offer Sami Hyypia a 12-month extension to his current contract as a safeguard against the possible departure of Daniel Agger.

The 35-year-old has been used extensively this season in Martin Skrtel's absence and has shown that, while not quite the player he was at his peak, he is still a valuable asset at the heart of the Reds' defence.

May will mark the 10th anniversary of the Finnish international's arrival at Anfield, and the Kopites would be overjoyed at the decision to extend his stay.

Agger, meanwhile, has impressed since returning to the first team after spending the first few months of the campaign on the bench, but his future at Anfield is in doubt due to contract issues.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is eager to tie down the 24-year-old with a new deal, but the player's wage demands of £60,000 per week are proving something of a sticking point.

Negotiations have stalled for the time being, and that has only increased speculation that AC Milan could sign the elegant centre-half, even though their recent €8.5 million bid was rejected.

Pennant Determined To Stay And Fight At Anfield

Just weeks after shunning interest from Real Madrid, winger Jermaine Pennant looks set to turn his back on a proposed move to Hull City to battle for a future at Liverpool.

The 25-year-old has found himself out of favour this season and has started only two Premier League games, with a further appearance from the bench. Last month it was reported he had priced himself out of a move to the Bernabeu due to his wage demands and now he does not seem to be attracted by first team football at the KC Stadium.

Pennant's agent Sky Andrew has insisted he has no interest in swapping Premier League clubs.

"Jermaine is still talking to Liverpool," Andrew told the Hull Daily Mail. "He does not want to play for another club in the Premier League and wants to stay with Liverpool."

Stoke City and Wigan Athletic were also said to be tracking the former Arsenal wide man but were scared off by Liverpool's £4 million valuation.

With Pennant's contract up in the summer he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement on a free transfer to any club in the summer but favours staying at the Merseyside giants. It is rumoured that boss Rafael Benitez is considering offering him a 12 month extension.

It has also been speculation that AC Milan may make a move in the summer should he be a free agent.

Benitez Chat Boosts Liverpool's Ryan Babel

Ryan Babel has struggled for first-team opportunities at Liverpool this season, with Spanish left-winger Albert Riera occupying the berth on the flank that the Dutchman could have expected to call his own this campaign.

There were rumours emanating from Anfield that Babel was unhappy with life on Merseyside and was thinking about seeking pastures new in an effort to find first-team football.

After a man-to-man talk with Reds' manager Rafael Benitez, the Holland international now feels much better and is ready to contribute fully to his club's Premier League title challenge.

"My career has had a lot of ups and a few downs until this point. But I am confident it will be okay," said Babel earlier. "When I was young I didn't get picked by Ajax after three trial games. After the third game, I thought I didn't want to play for them any more. But when I returned to my club I did well and eventually Ajax came back for me again. I took a lot of strength and belief from that."

Babel was also not letting his lack of starts in the Liverpool side affect his confidence, as he acknowledged that the whole squad must play their part and work hard to be ready when called upon by the manager.

"I'm always confident. I know I have potential," he explained, "It's up to me to work hard. Nothing good ever comes for free and I believe in my ability.

"But unfortunately only 11 players can start each week, and it's up to those who don't play as much to work even harder."

The wide player was also optimistic about his team's title chances, but knows that a lot of hard work still lay ahead of the Reds, who have not claimed an English league title since 1990.

"Somebody said recently that if the second half of the season goes the same way as the first, we'll be champions. Let's hope so," he added. "Right now we are top of the table and doing well. I want to do my bit for the team as we challenge for the title."

Rafa Benitez Edges Closer To New Liverpool Contract

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is close to signing a new contract after reaching an agreement on his salary.

Benitez still has 18 months remaining on his existing contract, but announced in November that negotiations had begun on new terms and that he wanted a deal signed by the end of the month. He denied reports that he is at odds with the club’s American owners over controlling transfers.

The Spanish manager expressed frustration last week about the lack of progress, but insists there is no conflict with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr.

My agent only received the draft document of my contract yesterday evening," Benitez said Tuesday. "We have agreed the length of contract and we have agreed the salary. Now we have to discuss my role and my responsibilities as manager of the club."

Benitez has enjoyed success in Europe, winning the 2005 Champions League at the end of his first season and returning to the final two years later. His priority is to secure Liverpool’s first league title since 1990. The Reds top the standings, but Manchester United is five points back with two games in hand.

Benitez was thrown into the middle of a power battle between Hicks and Gillett, with the former publicly offering him a one-year extension in April despite sounding out Juergen Klinsmann as a replacement months earlier.

Torres: I Can’t Cope With 90 Minutes Yet

Fernando Torres is taking a cautious approach towards proving his fitness for Monday’s Merseyside derby.

The league meeting at Anfield is the first of two in a week against neighbours Everton with the FA Cup fourth round tie following on the Sunday.

But Torres is hesitant to commit himself to starting in either of those games, despite his encouraging return from the hamstring injury that ruled him out for the whole of December.

The Spaniard, who was voted third in the FIFA world player of the year awards on Monday, made a goalscoring return during a 15-minute sub appearance against Preston in the FA Cup and he also came on in the later stages of the 0-0 draw at Stoke on Saturday.

Torres insists he is itching to get back into the starting line-up, but is doubtful that he can complete a full game.

“Of course I want to be in the first XI,” he said.

“I don’t know if I can play 90 minutes yet but for sure I can be in the squad.

“I feel much better, and I hope to come back to play in the first XI as soon as possible. Then I can forget the injuries and start to play again for Liverpool who are in a very good position this year.

“I didn’t do pre-season properly after the Euros, the season started too soon and you are trying to keep the best physical stamina but it’s difficult when you have to play three games a week. Now I want to stay a perfect 100%, and not get injured again.”

Torres has scored three times in his two previous Merseyside derby appearances, including both goals in the 2-0 victory at Goodison in September.

On that occasion he partnered Robbie Keane up front and it was the Irishman’s cross that teed up the opening goal.

Torres felt that game proved they could function together as a partnership although they haven’t had chance to strike up any kind of understanding due to his injury problems and the fact that Keane has struggled to guarantee himself a starting place.

But it doesn’t stop him expressing confidence that they can both make a impact when selected in the same side.

Torres said: “Yes, sure we can play together – but the boss decides, he’s the manager and he’s a fantastic manager.

“Sometimes not all the players can play together in the same team.

“But I have played with Robbie a lot of times and we’ve scored goals when we’ve played together.

“I think we are going to play together, but it will be depending on the game,” he added.

Torres Opts Out Of United Row

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres insists he does not share manager Rafael Benitez's belief that Manchester United get an easy ride from referees and Football Association officials.

Benitez stoked controversy by claiming United boss Sir Alex Ferguson showed no respect to referees and that they benefited from having chief executive David Gill on the FA board.

Torres backed his manager's right to speak out but said he did not believe United had gained any particular advantage.

The 24-year-old said: "I think when you win a tournament like the Premier League you deserve to win. I don't think you win the league because of a referee or some decision.

"He [Benitez] has been here six years and he feels these things but I don't feel it.

"He thinks that he has to say those things about Ferguson because he thinks that, I don't know why, but he has all our support.

"We are with our manager if he thinks we are not in the same position as Man U with some things."

Torres believes Benitez's success as a manager with Valencia, where he broke the dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, stands Liverpool in good stead for this title race.

He added: "He can compete with anyone, he won the Spanish league with Valencia after 15 years when it was just Real Madrid and Barcelona fighting for the title.

"Now he's enjoying it in Liverpool at a massive club and trying to do the same here as he did at Valencia.

"But I think Rafa Benitez is more English now than a Spanish manager, he learns a lot every day from the players like Stevie [Gerrard] and Carra [Jamie Carragher] and we are learning too."

Torres said he knew that most Liverpool fans would choose victory in the league over another Champions League title.

"From the first day I arrived in Liverpool I knew how important it is to win the Premier League for Liverpool fans," he said.

"You never know when you will have another opportunity and we are in a good position.

"Maybe for players who have played for Liverpool a long time it's pressure, but not for us. This is just my second season and I want to win a trophy for Liverpool, that's why I came here, and I want to be in the team that won the league after 20 years and be part of Liverpool's history.

"We have players who will have won all the trophies apart from the Premier League - they will have won the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Carling Cup and the UEFA Cup and not too many players can say that.

"We want to win the Premier League even more for people like Stevie, Carra and Sammy Lee."

Benitez Denies Deal Row

Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, has confirmed he has agreed the length of a potential new contract at Anfield as well as the salary on offer.

However, he is baffled by reports that he is at odds with the club's American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over the remaining terms of the deal.

Benitez insisted he had not had time to fully digest the contract details as they only arrived on Monday.

It was reported that Benitez had demanded complete control over transfers and more say in the running of the club's academy.

However, he said: "I don't have any problems at all with the American owners. My agent only received the draft document yesterday evening.

So my surprise is that some journalists can talk about there being problems before I have even read it properly and discussed it.

"We have agreed the length of contract and we have agreed the salary.

Now we have to discuss my role and my responsibilities.

But we haven't had the opportunity to do that.

Someone clearly wants to create a mess, but I haven't discussed anything yet."

Collymore Believes Rafa Rant Will Work Against Liverpool

During his pomp as a player Stan Collymore was one of the most efficient attackers in the English football; boasting a 1:2 goals to games ration at Southend, Nottingham Forest, and Liverpool.

At the Reds he struck a formidable partnership with much-loved Liverpudlian Robbie Fowler, and even helped oust goalscoring legend Ian Rush.

The 37-year old believes his former club could be heading for trouble following Rafa Benitez's recent comments to the press regarding "facts" concerning Sir Alex Ferguson.

The thrice-capped England international is worried about the timing of the remarks, and told British tabloid the Mirror:


"I fear Rafa Benitez’s rant at Sir Alex Ferguson could backfire badly and unwittingly inspire Manchester United to the Premier League crown.

"The timing of Benitez’s broadside has stunned me even though the Liverpool manager was absolutely spot on in everything he said about Ferguson.

"Everyone in football knows Benitez’s United counterpart has been at it for years intimidating referees and opponents," he said.

"The ruthless Scot has seen off Arsene Wenger as a threat and Jose Mourinho.

"So it was refreshing for a rival manager to come out and be so forthright about Ferguson’s recent gripe at the fixtures. But I firmly believe Benitez should have done it when there are maybe five or six games left.

"Don’t do it with half of the season remaining with Manchester United full of experienced players who are more than happy to rub Liverpool’s noses in it."

He continued: "United have plenty to motivate them now and Benitez’s attack may have backfired as the spotlight on Liverpool is even more intense now.

"My old club hammered Newcastle in their previous League game but their team which drew 0-0 at Stoke looked completely different as the league leaders were edgy and nervous.

"I think Rafa would have been advised to keep his powder dry until nearer the run-in rather than risk inciting one of the most experienced sides in Europe."

Liverpool currently top the league and are four points ahead of Chelsea, and five ahead of Manchester United. If the Red Devils win both of their games in hand though, they would overtake the Merseysiders.

Albert Riera: Liverpool Will Compete For Every Single Point In Every Game

Albert Riera has revealed how the sheer look of disappointment on his team mates’ faces following Saturday’s goalless draw at Stoke fired his belief that this could be Liverpool’s season.

Liverpool failed to break down a stubborn and resilient Stoke side for the second time in five months with Steven Gerrard coming closest to breaking the deadlock for the Reds when he hit the woodwork twice during the closing stages of the game.

Riera is in no doubt that the Reds have the character to respond to the setback in the right way and has vowed to remember the feeling of dejection he felt at the final whistle as a spur for the rest of the campaign.

“Saturday showed me the character of the team,” said the left winger.

“When I walked into the dressing room after the game everyone was devastated that we had only drawn a difficult away game.

“Stoke have a very good record at home and lots of teams have struggled to beat them at the Britannia Stadium but we are top of the league and we had hoped to go there and win.

“But we will remember this feeling and we will give everything for it not to happen again.”

Riera believes the old adage about there being no easy games is ringing truer than ever and points to a game in his native Spain as evidence.

“Last night I watched Barcelona, who are top of La Liga, play against Osasuna, who are bottom.

“Everyone expected Barcelona to win comfortably but with ten minutes remaining they were losing by two goals to one.

“They ended up scoring two goals in the last ten minutes to win the game but it was a much tougher match for them than expected.

“This is the way football is – you can never take victories for granted because every team can be a danger.

"You have to work for every point.

“But I can tell our fans that we will compete for every single point in every game that we play.”

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger, who both missed the trip to the Britannia through injury, are hoping to be fit for the Merseyside derby at Anfield a week today.

Fernando Torres Proud Of FIFA Third Spot

Proud Fernando Torres took third place in the FIFA’s world player of the year awards last night.

The Liverpool striker, who finished behind winner Cristiano Ronaldo and runner-up Lionel Messi of Barcelona was honoured to be placed ahead of Kaka, who was fourth, and Xavi, who was fifth. Torres said: “Ronaldo and Messi are for sure the two best players in the world and to come next to them is a privilege.

“The very fact of being here is a reason to be proud to represent my club and my country. It’s a matter of pride to have two Spaniards amongst this group,” he added.

Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard was sixth. Ronaldo was the first Premier League player to win the award and Frank Lampard was 12th, Didier Drogba 13th, Michael Ballack 14th, Cesc Fabregas 15th, Emmanuel Adebayor 17th and John Terry 21st.

Rafa Benitez At War Again - This Time With Liverpool Owners

Rafa Benitez is on another collision course - this time with Liverpool's owners.

Following his rant at Sir Alex Ferguson, the Anfield manager is embroiled in a bitter power struggle that is jeopardising contract talks aimed at keeping him at the club for the next five years.

He has agreed in principle to a new £5million-a-year deal that will take him through to the end of the 2013 season.

But the one major sticking point is Benitez's insistence that he has complete control over all transfer dealings.

At present, Liverpool - like most Premier League clubs - allow their chief executive to have an input.

But Benitez has been angered by what he sees as dithering in the past, which he blamed for missing out on players.

The Anfield boss was also very unhappy at failing to land Gareth Barry, his No.1 target in the summer.

Talks with Liverpool's US owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks proceeded quickly over terms, but there is now an impasse on transfer policy.

Speaking about the lack of progress in negotiations, Benitez said: "My agent has not yet received any documents and is a little disappointed. I was talking with him and he didn't have any news, so he's not very happy."

Torres - United Are Favourites

Liverpool star Fernando Torres believes Manchester United are favourites to win the title this season.

The Reds currently sit at the top of the table, but United enhanced their championship credentials with a 3-0 demolition of Chelsea last weekend.

United can move above Liverpool in the table if they win their two games this week against Wigan and Bolton and Torres accepts their arch-rivals are now in the driving seat.

"They're the clear favourites to win the title," said Torres. "We're working hard to compete with them and finish above them and we're on course to achieve that.

"We know it's possible for us to win this season but we have to fight to the very end to do so.

"It's obvious that we know all about them. They are the champions of Europe and the world.

"We know the class they have in their team. They have some of the best players in the world."

Torres, who finished third to United star Cristiano Ronaldo in the Fifa World Player of the Year award on Monday, admits the showdown between the two clubs at Old Trafford on 14th March could prove to be a title decider.

"I think the game at Old Trafford will decide the title," noted Torres. "If everything goes as we expect then we will go there in a similar position to now.

"We will have to play our game to try and get a result in a ground, which in the last few years has not been good for Liverpool.

Torres refused to get involved in the war of words between Reds boss Rafa Benitez and United chief Sir Alex Ferguson following the Spaniard's outspoken attack on the Scot last week.

Torres added: "The managers make remarks. They have their reasons for that but I won't be looking at them."

Sir Alex Ferguson And Rafael Benitez To Receive Soft Treatment From FA

The Football Association decided on Monday against taking any disciplinary action over Rafa Benitez for his explosive comments about Sir Alex Ferguson.

The mess has been left to Richard Bevan, the chief executive of the League Managers Association, to sort out and he is to hold individual meetings with Benitez and Ferguson to find a solution to the feud.

The FA had the option of charging Benitez with bringing the game into disrepute, or even simply asking the Liverpool manager for his views on his remarks about Ferguson. Benitez claimed during his Friday press conference that the Manchester United manager enjoyed preferential treatment from the FA and referees despite his hounding officials.

On Saturday, following Liverpool's draw at Stoke City, Benitez again went on the offensive and suggested that United benefited from having their chief executive, David Gill, on the FA main board (ignoring the fact that Liverpool's Noel White was on the FA's International Committee for many years). Ferguson, talking after United's 3-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday, responded that he felt Benitez was "disturbed".

On Monday Soho Square decided they did not want to pour further fuel on the fire burning between Benitez and Ferguson. There are also no plans for officials of United and Liverpool to meet to clear the air.

A precedent was set in 2004 in the wake of the Old Trafford Pizzagate affair when United and Arsenal players clashed in the tunnel and pizza was chucked at Ferguson. The then chairman of the FA, Geoff Thompson, and the Premier League's chief executive, Richard Scudamore, sat down with Gill and Arsenal's then vice-chairman David Dein to tackle the controversy. The FA became involved after Pizzagate because something was thrown whereas the Benitez-Ferguson issue was only verbal.

The FA have also decided not to charge Chelsea over the behaviour of their supporters at Old Trafford. Chelsea fans were heard to sing "you should have died in the tunnel" towards the United winger, Cristiano Ronaldo, who crashed his Ferrari driving to United's Carrington training ground earlier in the week.

Reds Finalise Palsson Deal

Liverpool have completed the signing of Icelandic star Vitcor Palsson, AGF Aarhus have confirmed.

The Danish side have revealed that the 18-year-old has finalised his move to Anfield.

Palsson, who never made a first-team appearance for AGF, was spotted by Liverpool's scouts and the club have now moved to tie him down.

"First of all, I am happy on Victor's behalf," stated AGF sports director Brian Steen Nielsen in a press release.

"It's a great opportunity for him and naturally, we don't want to block the way for him.

"Of course, we regret to lose a talented player, but on the other hand, we have got a good deal with Liverpool."

Liverpool FC's Fernando Torres Shortlisted For Fifa World Player Of The Year

Liverpool’s Fernando Torres will find out today if his impact on the Premier League has earned him the title of Fifa World Player of the Year.

Torres is one of five players on the list, which will be announced today, after helping Spain to Euro 2008 glory and scoring an incredible 24 goals in his debut Premier League season.

Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo is the favourite to walk away with the award, having already collected the FIFPro and Ballon d’Or awards this season.

Also on the list is Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and current holder Kaka.

After scoring 42 goals en route to Champions League and Premier League titles last season Ronaldo seems set to improve on his third place last year.

The closest challenger appears to be Barcelona’s Messi, who despite an average season with his club last season has been in blistering form since winning gold at the Beijing Olympics, helping Barca storm to a 10-point lead at the top of the Primera Liga before the winter break.

Spain’s Xavi features after playing a key role in his country’s success at Euro 2008, while Kaka is among the candidates again despite an under-par season last year with AC Milan.

The award will be made at Fifa’s world player gala in Zurich, the first time the award has been held in January.

It is also the first time five finalists have been chosen, as opposed to three.

Each national team manager and player is given a vote for their player of the year from a shortlist released by Fifa.

The women’s award has also been extended to five candidates, and this year features an English player for the first time. Kelly Smith will be up against 2007 and 2008 winner Marta and her Brazilian compatriot Cristiane, as well as Germany’s Nadine Angerer and three-time winner Birgit Prinz.

Ferguson Must Stop Talking About Liverpool, Warns Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has continued his war of words with Sir Alex Ferguson by insisting that the Manchester United boss stops talking about his side.

Benitez hit out at Ferguson on Friday, criticising the Scot’s conduct towards referees and insisting he regularly escapes punishment for his behaviour.

The Spaniard has now followed this up by stating that the United manager should stop talking about Liverpool.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said, “If Mr. Ferguson would stop talking about Liverpool maybe it would be good. He is clearly nervous about Liverpool.”

Benitez was speaking after watching his side slump to a goalless draw against strugglers Stoke City, and the Spaniard insisted he had received a lot of his support following his press conference on Friday.

“I can tell you that a lot of people have sent a lot of messages - not to me but to my staff and a lot of people at the club - to say, 'At least one person has said something everybody wanted to say,’” he explained.

“Maybe because in 20 years nobody could say these things and maybe a lot of people were thinking the same but didn't want to say.”

Yet despite his current stance towards Ferguson, the Liverpool boss revealed he has plenty of respect for Sir Alex.

He said, “I have a lot of respect for him. He is a great manager but he was talking too much about Liverpool, so clearly he has to stop.

"My concern now is to prepare the team for the next game against Everton and that's it. I always say we take things one game at a time - that is my philosophy and my idea.”

Heskey Pens Pre-Contract With Liverpool

On Saturday, reports emerged that Liverpool were hoping to snap up Emile Heskey from Wigan Athletic on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Now, The Daily Mail claims that the England striker has effectively sealed his return to Anfield by penning a pre-contract with the Premier League leaders.

Heskey has been tracked by a host of clubs since starring in the Three Lions' impressive opening to their World Cup qualifying campaign, during which he established a dynamic partnership with Wayne Rooney.

Liverpool have always been near the head of the queue, a scenario which seemed altogether impossible when the former Leicester City ace left Merseyside in 2004.

Heskey spent four seasons with the 18-time English champions, but he failed to win the hearts of the Kopites and was shipped out around the same time Rafael Benitez took charge.

And yet now the Spanish tactician wants the 31-year-old back at Anfield, presumably to provide a strong aerial option and cover for the somewhat injury-prone Fernando Torres.

There is no official word from either Wigan or Liverpool, however, so for the time being this report goes in the 'definitely maybe' pile.

Rafa Benitez Launches New Attack On Manchester United Exec David Gill

Rafael Benitez kept up his campaign against Manchester United by claiming they have an "unusual" influence at the FA.

The Liverpool boss did not hold back at the weekend as he turned the heat up even further on his title rivals by questioning the role Old Trafford chief executive David Gill plays at the Football Association.

Benitez made clear his frustration and anger that Gill holds a senior position within English football's ruling body, which he believes is a conflict of interest with his role at United, and he described the situation as "very strange". And in yet another controversial outburst aimed at the champions, the Anfield manager said: "They were saying we are not a threat.

Now they know we are, they are starting mind games.

"But I don't think it's a mind game when you have control over everything; it's a mind game when you have the same level as the other people, then you can show you are cleverer than the others.

"But when you have control of everything and your chief executive is powerful in the FA and things like this, then that is not mind games.

"Is there a conflict of interest with David Gill at the FA?

"That is another fact. It is a fact that one person has a lot of power and control, and is on a lot of the committees in the FA. To me that is very strange."

Gill is one of the most influential voices at the FA, holding a position on the management board of the game's governing body, and is widely tipped to become their next chief executive.

Benitez's remarks are sure to cause uproar because his implications are clear - United get favourable treatment because a senior figure at their club is on the inside at the FA.

That could bring him charges from the governing body, but the disciplinary committee is already set to investigate his remarks made on Friday.

Yet Benitez was in bullish mood, adding: "A lot of people think the same as me.

"I need to change my mobile phone because it is blocked with so many messages of support, and I am not surprised by that."