Poll Backs Rafa Over Rant

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll has backed Rafael Benitez's claim that Sir Alex Ferguson receives lenient treatment from the Football Association.

Liverpool manager Benitez blasted his Manchester United counterpart on Friday, alleging Ferguson does not get punished sufficiently for his sometimes outspoken criticism of match officials.

"During the respect campaign, and this is a fact, Sir Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and (referees' chief) Keith Hackett," Benitez said.

"He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things.

"How can you talk about the respect campaign and criticise the referee every single week?"

Poll was considered the Premier League's top official until his retirement at the end of the 2006-07 season.

He enjoyed a good relationship with Ferguson, who even phoned Poll to offer him support in the wake of his gaffe at the 2006 World Cup, when he showed Croatia's Josip Simunic three yellow cards.

But the former referee agrees with Benitez's suggestion that the United boss receives preferential treatment from FA disciplinary chiefs.

"Rafa Benitez has articulated what referees have been thinking for years - that Sir Alex Ferguson can say what he wants about them and the FA will allow him to get away with it," he told the Daily Mail.

"The authorities could point to Ferguson's two-match ban imposed earlier this season as proof that he is not out of reach of their disciplinary department, but that was for marching onto the field after the 4-3 win over Hull and for comments made directly to the referee, Mike Dean, who in reporting the misconduct forced the FA's hand."

An FA spokesman said Benitez's comments would be reviewed "in their full context" next week before any decision is reached on whether to take action against the Reds boss.

Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez Shouldn't Rise To Sir Alex Ferguson's Bait

Rafael Benitez really shouldn’t go around suggesting Sir Alex Ferguson “organise’’ the fixture list as Manchester United’s manager is liable to accept the offer.

That was the wry reaction within Old Trafford to Benitez’s remarkable comments yesterday.

Within seconds of Benitez’s speech, a text message was sent by a Sky employee covering events at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground to Ferguson’s base at Carrington, telling the champions it would be worth tuning in. Benitez’s discourse was greeted with a mixture of astonishment and amusement.

This speech differed markedly from Kevin Keegan’s “I’d love it’’ outburst against Ferguson 13 years ago. Keegan spoke from the heart. Benitez was talking from the head. Liverpool’s manager is a shrewd soul, a man who ponders situations like a chess grandmaster before making any move. He must have considered the ramifications of verbal pyrotechnics which could end up burning Liverpool.

Two issues are at play here: the substance, if any, of the claims and the potential fallout. Ferguson does escape with certain tirades at referees, but that is partly because experience has taught the canny Scot how far he can go.

There was a worrying period when, to the cynical eye, there seemed almost a rotation of United substitutes working the linesman over. That appears to have ended.

But if Benitez seriously believes Ferguson enjoys a cosy relationship with the FA, all tea, cake and “just say what you want about those beastly referees, Sir Alex’’, then Liverpool’s manager needs a crash course in the history of club-versus-country during the Ferguson era.

If he genuinely thinks the authorities let Ferguson and United off lightly then he should have been around when the Scot heard the FA had published details of the Patrice Evra disciplinary ruling on their website. He looked like he had swallowed the famous hairdryer.

As for the fixtures, nobody really took Ferguson’s complaint about the champions being “handicapped’’ this season that seriously. Ferguson’s message was meant more for United’s dressing room, to stir up the siege mentality. Again.

The idea that Ferguson manipulates the fixtures is ludicrous; the reason why United attract so much television interest is because Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov are the biggest draw in town.

So what of the consequences? Ferguson will see Benitez’s outpouring as a coup, a signal that Liverpool are worried about United. Ferguson’s players will feel that Liverpool are rattled. In truth, there is a calmness and sense of real purpose among Benitez’s squad, who are focusing on what they need to do to win the title, not becoming obsessed about rivals.

The managers who have handled Ferguson best are those who never lost their cool with him, like Kenny Dalglish at Blackburn Rovers or Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. The only piece of paper Benitez needed to read from yesterday was the one showing the Premier League table - with Liverpool top.

FA To Review Benitez Complaints

The Football Association is to review Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's verbal attack on Alex Ferguson before deciding whether to take any action against him.

Benitez claimed his Manchester United counterpart gets away with criticising referees and poured scorn on his complaints about the fixture list.

The FA said in a brief statement that the comments will be analysed "in their full context" in the coming week.

Ferguson has yet to respond to the claims levelled against him by Benitez.

The Spaniard's outburst came after a journalist asked for his response to Ferguson's suggestion that Premier League leaders Liverpool might get nervous in the title run-in.

After claiming Manchester United might be nervous themselves, he produced a sheet of paper and read out a list of accusations about Ferguson's conduct regarding referees, the FA's Respect campaign and fixture lists.

Benitez claimed that Ferguson intimidates match officials and often escapes punishment for his criticism of referees.

Former top-flight ref Graham Poll claimed in the Daily Mail that Benitez "has articulated what referees have been thinking for years - that Sir Alex can say what he wants about them and the FA allows him to get away with it."

However, Ferguson could point to several past run-ins with the FA during his time in charge at Old Trafford.

The most recent came in November when the Scot was given a two-game touchline ban and fined £10,000 for remonstrating with referee Mike Dean.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Saturday that he does not think Benitez's words will have any effect on the Premier League title race, but expressed his shock that the Liverpool boss had openly attacked Ferguson.

"It will certainly have an impact on their relationship, but not on Ferguson," he said.

"It came as a complete surprise because he [Benitez] is usually a quiet man and I would not like to comment further on that.

"I do not know what it was really about. I do not know what he [Ferguson] is doing. You do not know. Nobody knows in the country."

Tony Barrett: Rafa Benitez Can Live Up To Bill Shankly's Infamous 'Top Two' Claim

Bill Shankly’s famous tongue in cheek soundbite about there only being two teams on Merseyside – Liverpool and Liverpool Reserves – has been celebrated, ridiculed and debated ever since the legendary Reds boss first uttered it.

Depending on which side of the Mersey divide you find yourself on, it was either an inspirational put-down or an uncalled-for display of triumphalism.

Those who knew the man best insist it was just a typical bit of gruff Scots humour laced with more than a liberal sprinkling of psychology.

Shankly's assertion has never been put to the test, but if Rafa Benitez is in a tinkering mood and wants to protect his key players for a title challenge it could be when Liverpool meet Everton twice in less than a week later this month.

Before last Sunday's draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup, the world's most famous cup competition trailed in a distant third in Liverpool's list of priorities – and that is exactly where it must stay.

As romantic and desirable as the FA Cup undoubtedly is, especially with Liverpool still to visit the new Wembley, it cannot become a diversion in a season when the Reds simply have to deliver that long-awaited challenge.

The fact the draw managed to pair them with their local rivals for the first time in 18 years has sent shockwaves of excitement rippling through Merseyside's football scene and has upgraded what could have been a bog standard tie had Liverpool been drawn against anyone else to "must win" status for fans of both clubs.

The number of text messages sent in the Merseyside area after ball number three was pulled out alongside ball number 28 was probably enough to keep the spectre of recession away from the doors of the leading mobile phone firms and such was the volume of traffic on internet message boards that more than one of them went into meltdown.

That's what derby matches do – they cause logic to be thrown out of the window and common sense to be replaced by fevered expectation.

Liverpool cannot allow that to happen to them though.

In the position they have got themselves into at the top of the Premier League, they finally have the chance to kick on and have a proper crack at bringing Shankly's bread and butter back to Anfield.

And for that reason Benitez must pick his team for the cup tie with more than one eye on the league game against Wigan which follows just three days later.

It may not go down well with FA Cup traditionalists who are fighting tooth and nail to stop the competition from becoming a glorified Carling Cup, and it would be far from ideal for the many Liverpool fans who rightly see any victory over Everton as one of the highlights of any season.

But Benitez is duty bound to put the Premier League first, second and last.

The Spaniard will not field two totally different teams in the double header against the Blues, but he is likely to ring the changes in keeping with his brief to produce a title-challenging team.

That's why if rotation is deemed to be the best policy, Benitez must select his strongest possible line-up in the league game against David Moyes' upwardly mobile side and make whatever changes are necessary in the cup tie.

And should he do so and Liverpool go on to win both games – which would be extremely difficult given Everton's recent noticeable improvement – the Reds boss will have gone a long way towards living up to Shankly's throwaway line decades after his predecessor came out with it.

Preston showed true dignity in cup defeat

Preston won a lot of friends at Anfield with the way they handled defeat against Liverpool in last week's FA Cup tie at Deepdale and rightly so.

Manager Alan Irvine - who was brought into coaching by Reds legend Kenny Dalglish before making his name as David Moyes' assistant at Everton - was typically generous in his praise of the team.

Irvine has a touch of class about him that is all too rare in modern football where so many managers look for any controversial incident to explain away a defeat.

Asked what he made of the incident in which Jamie Carragher tangled in the box with Jon Parkin, Irvine could easily have taken the Neil Warnock route and made a meal of it. But he didn't.

He simply responded: "There was an incident between Carragher and Parkin, and there was a lot of movement of Jon's shirt at the time, but that happens a lot and you don't always get penalties. I was not jumping up and down about it."

Irvine also accepted that Sean St Ledger's follow up header was rightly disallowed and it made a refreshing change to see a manager accept defeat in the right manner.

His attitude is clearly rubbing off on his players as well if goalkeeper Andy Lonergan's post match comments are anything to go by.

Lonergan had an excellent game against the Reds and had it not been for him Preston could have been cut adrift by half time.

But at the end of the game Lonergan refused to talk about his own efforts, preferring to shower accolades on the Liverpool team.

"I can't speak highly enough about Liverpool, they are unbelievable," said Lonergan.

"I feel privileged to play on the same pitch as Stevie Gerrard and Robbie Keane.”

A league table only ever looks really pretty when your own team is on top but Liverpool can take a great deal of comfort from their showing in the standings for 2008.

No trophies are awarded for performance over a calendar year of course but it does give an indication of how you are progressing and Liverpool could not have done much more than they did over the last 12 months.

According to statistics collated by local football statistican Ged Rea, only Chelsea collected more points than Liverpool during 2008 with the London club clocking up a total of 86 compared to their Merseyside rivals' tally of 84.

Manchester United trail behind in third, four points behind the Reds, although the Old Trafford outfit did play three games less than Liverpool in 2008.

Interestingly, Rafa Benitez's side won 13 points more than Arsenal in a year when the Reds boss was consistently compared unfavourably to Arsene Wenger.

But the most telling statistic of all is that Liverpool are the only one of the big four to win more points in the second half of 2008 than they did in the first – as sure a sign of improvement and progress as you can get.

Still, as everyone knows, it is the points they accumulate in the first half of 2009 that will decide whether or not they win prizes.

Jose Rejects Rafa's Complaints

Jose Mourinho has rejected Rafa Benitez's claims that Manchester United receive preferential treatment from referees.

Benitez launched an outspoken attack against United boss Ferguson on Friday accusing the Scot of getting away with criticising referees.

The tirade has caused ripples throughout the footballing world with many observers expressing their views of the incident.

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho, who does not enjoy a good relationship with old rival Benitez, has added his opinion and he believes the Spaniard's criticisms are wide of the mark.

"I played at Old Trafford many times, including a few wins, and never saw anything strange," Mourinho told the Italian media.

"It is only normal that a referee will feel under pressure in an atmosphere like that with 80,000 people."

Sevilla Chase Jermaine Pennant

Sevilla are the latest La Liga club to try to lure Liverpool ace Jermaine Pennant to Spain.

But the winger, 25, looks certain to see out the rest of his contract so he can cash in a bumper Bosman payday in July.

Pennant has attracted interest from home and abroad — including a £3million Real Madrid bid — but has shown no willingness to leave Anfield.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez tried to call his bluff by offering a one-year contract extension but he will not sign that either.

Talks On Hold For Unsettled Agger

Daniel Agger insists all talk about his Liverpool future should be banned until the end of the season.

Boss Rafa Benitez is keen for the Dane to pen a new Anfield contract, while AC Milan still hope to lure the central defender to Italy.

Agger has been unsettled on Merseyside since returning from injury but won’t be allowed to leave this month. The 24-year-old will instead keep his options open until the summer when he could buy out the final 18 months of his contract.

Kop team-mate Yossi Benayoun has also been warned to forget about a January move.

The Israel international wants away despite more first-term involvement recently.

Benayoun has been a target for Roma and Ajax.

But Benitez will block the midfielder’s efforts to leave as he can’t be sure any funds will be ploughed back into his squad.

Liverpool As Great A Threat As United, Claims Ballack

Michael Ballack believes Liverpool are now on a par with Manchester United in the title race, as the Chelsea midfielder prepares for today's game at Old Trafford.

With Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari conceding that his side need to win today, Ballack says recent form has convinced him that Liverpool are now just as important title rivals as United.

Ballack said: 'A few weeks ago I was sure that Manchester United were our strongest opponents. But now I think Liverpool are a major threat and have been doing very well in recent weeks.

'They have showed in the past few games they have the character to deal with being top of the league. They had one or two games when they struggled, but even then we couldn't get back on top. But now they are doing well.'

With Sir Alex Ferguson intensifying the mind games with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, it seems both Chelsea and United agree that Liverpool are now credible challengers to their recent cosy Premier League duopoly.

Ballack said: 'Liverpool deserve to be first and the teams behind have to wait for them to drop points. But they have shown they can handle pressure. Liverpool are a team we respect.

'It's not like in the past few seasons when Liverpool were inconsistent. It's not like it is October or November. It's the middle of January and they look like they can sustain a challenge for the title.'

Ballack will not even contemplate defeat before today's Old Trafford encounter. Though Chelsea are four points clear of United, the champions have two games in hand and look ominously well placed for the final stretch of the season.

Ballack said: 'I don't want to talk about defeat, especially before a game. I have never done this. We are very positive going into the match. We have a strong team and we will give you an answer on Sunday.

'We need to show we have the quality to beat big teams. Sometimes a draw is not a disaster and we are playing United. It would show the other teams if we came away with a result.'

Match Preview: Stoke City vs. Liverpool

Liverpool travel to Staffordshire this weekend to take on struggling Stoke City. While the Premier League leaders hope to gallop further away from the chasing pack, their hosts will be aiming simply to keep their heads above water.

The Potters sit third from bottom coming into this crucial clash, and that's no less than most expected of them after they won promotion from the Championship last season. They’ve failed to consistently match teams man for man, and often look sadly one-dimensional in attack – well, two dimensional with Rory Delap’s wicked, super-long throws.

What’s more, it became evident on Stoke’s last league outing that morale within the playing squad was not great. Ricardo Fuller earned himself a red card and in-house sanctions when he had a pop at skipper Andy Griffin, rubbing salt into the open wounds of their 2-1 defeat by West Ham United.

And yet, sitting in the drop zone without a win in six league games and still smarting from their FA Cup loss to Hartlepool United, Tony Pulis’ men can take a sliver of hope into their clash with the Reds.

Back in September, Stoke became the first team this season to leave Anfield with a point. Only three other clubs – West Ham, Fulham and Hull City – have replicated that feat. That display proved that England’s second-oldest professional club had the ability to nullify and frustrate a top-drawer side; although they might find it more difficult to keep a clean sheet on their own patch.

Liverpool are, quite simply, on top of the world right now. 20 games in, they hold a three-point lead and look like a team capable of ending their 19-year title drought. They are unbeaten in their last 11 league games, having tasted defeat just once this term – and even though that loss came at Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Lane, their record on the road is bettered only by that of second-placed Chelsea.

While at times this season the Merseysiders have looked unconvincing, even pedestrian, their recent form has been blistering. They have won each of their past three outings, scoring 10 goals and conceding just one – which, ironically, came in their most impressive showing of the season to date.

Rafael Benitez’s men closed out 2008 in some style, thrashing Newcastle United so absolutely that even the 5-1 scoreline didn’t do their performance justice. Indeed, the margin may have reached double figures if not for Shay Given’s superb shot-stopping – Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyypia and Lucas Leiva could each have had hat-tricks.

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of that romp at St James’ Park was that a number of first-team regulars were absent from the starting line-up. In-form Xabi Alonso sat on the pine before making a late cameo, as did fit-again Martin Skrtel, while the likes of Fernando Torres, Albert Riera, Robbie Keane, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio didn’t feature at all.

And after kicking off 2009 with a comfortable win against Preston North End in the FA Cup, Liverpool will feel confident of strengthening their hold on top spot this Saturday – especially with Chelsea facing Manchester United the following afternoon.


FORM GUIDE

Stoke City

Dec 13 Stoke City 0 - 0 Fulham (Premier League)
Dec 20 Blackburn Rovers 3 - 0 Stoke City (Premier League)
Dec 26 Stoke City 0 - 1 Manchester United (Premier League)
Dec 28 West Ham United 2 - 1 Stoke City (Premier League)
Jan 03 Hartlepool United 2 - 0 Stoke City (FA Cup)

Liverpool

Dec 13 Liverpool 2 - 2 Hull City (Premier League)
Dec 21 Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Dec 26 Liverpool 3 - 0 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
Dec 28 Newcastle United 1 - 5 Liverpool (Premier League)
Jan 03 Preston North End 0 - 2 Liverpool (FA Cup)


TEAM NEWS

Stoke City

Mr. Fuller’s decision to whack his skipper across the chops resulted in a three-match ban, meaning Vincent Pericard or Dave Kitson may partner Richard Cresswell up front.

Andy Wilkinson is available again after being sent off against Manchester United on Boxing Day, as is Abdoulaye Faye after the confusion over his yellow-card count was sorted out.

On the treatment table, captain Griffin is nursing a muscular problem in his leg and could sit out, while Leon Cort (groin) and Mamady Sidibe (knee) are also carrying injuries.

Meanwhile, winger Matthew Etherington is set make his first appearance for the club after signing from West Ham earlier this week.

Possible XI: Simonsen – Shawcross, Sonko, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham – Delap, Whelan, Amdy Faye, Etherington – Cresswell, Pericard

Liverpool

Midfield duo Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano both departed Deepdale looking worse for wear. Alonso has been cleared of any serious damage after sustaining a nasty gash and severe swelling on his foot, but he is unlikely to be risked this weekend. Mascherano (thigh) might also be saved as a pair of derby dates with Everton loom on the horizon.

Fernando Torres made his first appearance in a month when he came on and scored in the second half against Preston. Boss Benitez is wary of rushing the superstar striker back from his hamstring injury too soon, though, so another substitute showing is on the cards.

Brazilian wing-back Aurelio is fit and could get the call as Emiliano Insua, the impressive young Argentine, is away in Venezuela for the next month, taking part in the Under-20 South American Championships with Argentina. Alvaro Arbeloa will sit out as he recovers from a hamstring problem, but Martin Skrtel could make his first start since rupturing his knee ligaments during the 3-2 win over Manchester City in October.

Possible XI: Reina – Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia, Aurelio – Benayoun, Lucas, Gerrard, Riera – Keane, Kuyt


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Matthew Etherington (Stoke City)

Having tasted very little first-team action at Upton Park this term, the 28-year-old will be eager to get out of the blocks quickly with his new club. A crafty and experienced left-sided player, he is certainly capable of causing Jamie Carragher and co a problem or two.

Lucas Leiva (Liverpool)

The young Brazilian has copped plenty of flak from his own fans this season, but he was among the Reds’ most impressive performers in the demolition of Newcastle. The creative and energetic midfielder should be handed another chance to shine on Saturday, what with Alonso and Mascherano both potential absentees.

Rafa Benitez: Stoke City The Only Game That Matters Right Now

Rafa Benitez has made it clear to Liverpool's title rivals that no-one at Anfield will be distracted from their bid to stay ahead of the field.

Second-placed Chelsea meet third-placed Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend in what could be one of the pivotal games in this season's title race.

But Benitez is adamant that the only game that matters to Liverpool is the one which sees the league leaders travel to the Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke City on Saturday evening.

The Reds boss would be more than happy to accept any results that go his team's way in the weeks and months to come - but insists the only thing that matters is that Liverpool's fate is in their own hands and they can determine their own destiny if they keep on winning.

"It is just about Liverpool and our own results," said the Spaniard.

"If we keep winning our games then it will not matter what other teams do.

"Obviously it would make things easier for us if the other teams around us make mistakes but we are only interested in our own results.

"This weekend we play Stoke and this is the game we will be focusing on."

The Premier League season is now past its halfway point and having played 20 games Liverpool currently stand proudly on top of the table.

Benitez is more than happy with the way his team has performed so far, but he believes there is still much more to come from the Reds in the second half of the campaign.

He added: "It is clear that the team is doing well because we are at the top of the league but we can still do even better.

"In the past three or four seasons we have played better in the second half of the season and this is what we will be looking to do again this time.

"We have players who have been out because of injury but who are now coming back to full fitness, and having Fernando Torres, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio back will be a big boost to us.

"But we also have players whose form is improving and others whose form will improve so we have a lot of confidence.

"The players know that we have to keep working hard and winning games and they also know that we cannot make too many mistakes and must keep our feet on the ground."

Rafael Benitez Tells Liverpoool Players 'No Time To Rest'

Rafael Benitez has told his Liverpool players that they will be required to "fight until the end" if they are win the title.

With closest rivals Chelsea not in action until Sunday, Benitez's Premier League leaders will move six points clear at the top if they overcome Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium at teatime.

Benitez acknowledges that his team are in a strong position, but he has warned that the hard work is only just beginning.

"It will be very difficult until the end of the season. We know this," said the Liverpool manager, who is without Xabi Alonso due to a damaged ankle.

"The Premier League is the priority because we have won the Champions League and the FA Cup.

"So I don't think the players will lose the opportunity to do their best in every single game.

"We are in the best position for the last five or 10 years so we have to fight until the end. The players know this."

Stoke had hoped to complete the signing of former Everton striker James Beattie in time to face Benitez's side.

They have offered Sheffield United more than £2.5m for the former England international.

However, the deal has stalled although manager Tony Pulis remains hopeful it can be resurrected early next week.

Benitez Waits On New Deal

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed his disappointment at the slow progress in his contract negotiations.

The former Valencia boss - who launched an astonishing attack on Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday - opened discussions with the Liverpool hierarchy in November and both parties expressed a desire to secure an extended deal.

It was thought that Benitez was close to putting pen-to-paper in December, but discussions were put on hold as the Spaniard underwent a kidney stones operation.

However, Benitez - whose current terms expire in 2010 - has revealed that his representative has yet to receive paperwork from the club.

"My agent has not yet received any documents, and he is a little disappointed," said Benitez.

"But okay, we will see what happens. But I do not want to say too much at the moment."

Meanwhile, Benitez has stated that he is waiting for a 'good offer' for out-of-favour winger Jermaine Pennant.

AC Milan, Real Madrid, Stoke and Hull City have all expressed an interest in the former Birmingham player and it appears inevitable the £6.7million flop will leave Merseyside in January.

"I have had a conversation with Jermaine," added Benitez. "He is waiting for a good offer and we are waiting for a good offer.

"A new contract for him would be very difficult."

Rafael Benitez Sensationally Blasts Sir Alex Ferguson & Manchester United

Rafael Benitez has launched a scathing attack on Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, after the Scot recently suggested that Liverpool - currently top of the Premier League - could choke under pressure and concede their lead.

Last week, Ferguson also accused the Premier League of favouring league leaders Liverpool due to the amount of home games that the Reds faced in the early stages of the season. The moxie Scot therefore suggested that Benitez's men had a distinct advantage as the league table began to take shape.

His comments have clearly gotten under the skin of the Spaniard, who lashed out in a press conference today stating that Ferguson is "the only manager who will not be punished" for verbally abusing referees.

He told journalists today: "We had a meeting about the 'Respect' campaign and I was very clear - forget about it, because Mr. Ferguson is killing the referees.

"How can you talk about the 'Respect' campaign and yet criticise the referee every single week?

"I was surprised by what has been said, but maybe they [Manchester United] are nervous because we are at the top of the table."

Benitez then began reading from a prop that he brought with him to the conference.

"I want to talk about facts," he said. "I want to be clear, I do not want to play mind games too early, although they seem to want to start.

"During the 'Respect' campaign - and this is a fact - Mr. Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and Keith Hackett.

"He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things.

"We know what happens every time we go to Old Trafford and the United staff. They are always going man to man with the referees, especially at half-time when they walk close to the referees and they are talking and talking.

"All managers need to know is that only Mr. Ferguson can talk about the fixtures, can talk about referees and nothing happens.

"We need to know that I am taking about facts, not my impression. There are things that everyone can see every single week.

"To complain and to always have an advantage is not fair.

"Two years ago we were playing a lot of early kick-offs away on Saturdays when United were playing on Sundays. And we didn't say anything," Benitez said.

"Now he is complaining about everything, that everybody is against United. But the second half of the season will see them playing at home against all the teams at the top of the table, it is a fantastic advantage.

"At Christmas, United played on the 29th and the rest of the teams played on the 28th. We were away against Newcastle [United] two days after playing Bolton [Wanderers]. They were playing about 40 hours later, but they were not complaining then.

"If he wants to talk about fixtures, and have a level playing field, there are two options if we don't want more problems with fixtures.

"One is the same as in Spain, the draw for the first part of the league is known, everyone knows which weekend. In the second half everyone plays the opposite, so you all know.

"Sky and Setanta have the right to choose their games and it will be the same for everyone. So Mr. Ferguson will not be complaining about fixtures and a campaign against United.

"Or there is another option. That Mr. Ferguson organises the fixtures in his office and sends it to us and everyone will know and cannot complain. That is simple."

Sir Alex Ferguson's mind games have played their way into Premier League folklore over the years, with Newcastle United manager becoming the biggest loser after his: "I'll bloody love it," rant led to a relinquishing of an incredible 12 point lead in the 1995-96 season that allowed United to win the title.

John Barnes: Belief Is Key For Liverpool

John Barnes was an iconic member of the '80s Liverpool team that dominated English domestic football so completely. The Jamaica-born England international won the Football Writers' Player of the Year Award the last time the Reds took the title back to Anfield, in 1990, scoring 22 goals in the process.

Now he has urged everyone connected with the club to believe in the ability of Rafa Benitez's team to emulate the achievements of past Liverpool sides and win the league title.

"If you look at the top teams there is not much difference between them, when you look at the skill and ability and the players they that they have," Barnes, now manager of the Jamaican national team, told Setanta Sports.

"But that belief that Man United have had in the last ten years is what all teams want, and I think that Liverpool can do that this year.

"You have to believe in the squad, in the players, in the manager, and if he makes a decision, whatever the decision is you have to not just back him but have that belief."

Barnes also feels that it would be unwise for Benitez to bring in any new players this transfer window, believing, like many others, that it is rare to find value for money in January.

"January is not a good time to buy anybody," he continued.

"You are really only going to fritter money away without getting the quality because the players you want are already playing in the Champions League.

As for whether Liverpool can finally bring an end to almost two decades of waiting to win a league title, the former England international is optimistic, as long as the Reds maintain their professionalism.

"As long as you take every game and pay most importance to that game then you will be fine," he added.

"Look at Derby, they were fantastic against Man United, but look where they are in the league. Why can’t they play that way every week if they do it against United?

"Once you treat games differently and put more importance on some games that is when you can fall by the wayside.

"Liverpool need to approach every game in the same manner, with the same attitude and desire. They have got the quality – there is no reason why they can’t win the league."

Arsenal Easy To Beat While Liverpool Grow Stronger - Alan Hansen

New Football Pools pundit Alan Hansen talks exclusively to Goal.com about the contrasting changes in Liverpool and Arsenal this season, and the threat posed to the Gunners by Aston Villa.

Alan Hansen was a colossus on the pitch for Liverpool and Scotland, becoming a true Anfield legend and collecting a host of medals in a glittering playing career. And since hanging up his boots he's become a giant of football punditry too, renowned for his forthright views and analyses which are eagerly anticipated by millions of viewers of BBC TV's 'Match of the Day' every week.

Hansen gave Goal.com his take on how the battle for dominance is shaping up at the top of the Premier League, where his former club Liverpool continue to lead the way.

"I’ve been asked numerous times recently whether Liverpool have now gained a psychological edge over their title rivals due to their record of just one League defeat all season. Well for me, I cannot see Chelsea or Manchester United just fading away so I don’t think Liverpool’s form will affect them," he said. "However, for Rafa Benitez and his players, the psychological boost of being top despite some indifferent results will be immense.

"The main difference in Liverpool this season is they’ve looked far more solid than they’ve done for a number of years. The effect on the opposition this season is key to their form - no longer are they a team that teams fancy their chances of beating, they now know they are in for a real tough game. Liverpool are now extremely hard to beat.

"Whilst Liverpool have grown in stature this season Arsenal have gone the other way. The Gunners remain the best footballing side in the Premier League and at times are simply irresistible to watch, however, they are also easier to beat than the other 'Big Four' sides. This is perfectly illustrated by the teams they’ve lost to this season and the amount of games they’ve lost compared to their rivals. Despite this, they remain in the FA Cup and Champions League so are hardly in crisis.

"The main threat to their qualification for next season’s premier European competition is Aston Villa, and if the Villans were to overtake them this season then this would be a huge backwards step for Arsenal as the finances lost would be immense.

"Martin O’Neill has done a fantastic job at Villa and his side has gained both momentum and impetus even when not performing well. They’ve been winning when not playing at the top of their game which is a sign of a good side. Martin has created a young team full of pace and if they were to qualify for next season’s Champions League it would be an unreal achievement. However, for me, to break into the top four would take qualification over a number of years into the Champions League as well as making it through to the knock-out stages to cement their position."

Liverpool's Fabio Aurelio Relishes Albert Riera Link Up

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has a notorious hit-and-miss record in the transfer market, and the flanks have been a troublesome position for the Spaniard to bolster.

Hull City's Paul Anderson has been farmed out on loan, and Chilean Mark Gonzalez's career with the Reds lasted only two years, with one of those years spent at Real Sociedad.

The acquisition of Albert Riera though has thus far been a successful one, with the Manacor-born 26-year old providing natural width, skill, and accurate crossing from the left wing.

Riera has also struck up a good understanding with Brazilian fill-back Fabio Aurelio down the left flank, and the latter is relishing the link-up once more.

"Albert has only been here for a short time but we have worked well together in the games we've played," the Brazilian explained to the official LFC Magazine.

"I think we've done well at times and created a few goals.

"Now we've got to keep working together and improving. If we do that, it will give the boss some good options on that side.

"Apart from Albert, we've also got Ryan Babel who can play in the same role. He is a very good player who has done well for us."

The pair may start in the trip to the Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke City on Saturday.

Should Liverpool win, then they will extend their lead to six points, as Chelsea do not play Manchester United until Sunday.

Steven Gerrard Hails Unsung Liverpool Backroom Staff

Rafa Benitez's absence from the 1-1 Arsenal draw at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the season, together with the subsequent monitoring of on-pitch affairs from the director's box against Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United, was certainly noteworthy.

The Spaniard was recovering from an operation to rid him of the discomfort he was enduring due to kidney stones, but the Reds amassed an impressive seven point collection from those three games, and Sammy Lee - Rafa's right hand man - guided the league leaders to two emphatic romps, including the 5-1 demolition over the Magpies.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has today hailed the backroom staff’s contribution to the Reds' season so far.

"You've got to give credit to the manager," he said.

"He has built a very strong squad and we've got two or three people fighting for each position.

"No one wants to lose their place in the team and I think you can see that in the performances because everyone is working hard to stay in the side.

"Everyone knows Rafa is the top man and how much he is involved, but when he has been missing through illness over the last couple of weeks Sammy has come in alongside Mauricio and they have done a fantastic job."

He continued: "People are saying that Sammy was one of the most important signings we made in the summer and I certainly agree with that.

"He's very enthusiastic, he loves the football club. You can see day in day out how much he wants success for this club.

"He plays a really important role for us and I'm really pleased at how well things have gone for him over the last couple of weeks.

"I think when the main man is missing everyone has to stick together.

"The likes of Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia, Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, the experienced players around the dressing room, have needed to roll their sleeves up and fill the void with the manager being missing and they've all done that."

Liverpool can extend their lead over Chelsea with a win over Stoke City on Saturday.

Johnson Signs Four-Year Portsmouth Deal After Liverpool Deal Collapses

Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson has signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with the club.

The 24-year-old England international is now committed to the Fratton Park outfit until the end of the 2012-13 season.

The deal is fillip for manager Tony Adams following the recent losses of Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe to Real Madrid and Tottenham respectively.

Liverpool were interested in signing Johnson but Portsmouth's £10million valuation put them off.

Adams said: 'It's great news that Glen's decided to sign a new contract. I'm delighted to have him here - I want him here for a long time.

'This is a good place for him. He's got back in the England squad since he came here. Glen's applied himself really well. He's always desperate to play and gets frustrated when he can't.

'He's been very good for this club and this club's been very good for him.'

David Prentice: Why Are Liverpool And Everton So Slow On The FA Cup Draw?

It’s all Everton and Liverpool fans have talked about since Roberto di Matteo plucked out ball number 28 last Sunday, but don’t expect players or officials at either club to wax lyrical in the build-up to the derby double-header.

Enquiries at both clubs this week were met with Basil Fawlty-esque replies: “Don’t mention the draw!”

Tony Hibbert refreshingly broke ranks to describe the forthcoming cup tie as “electric”, but since then a gagging order appears to have been put in place.

Perhaps it’s a symptom of the recent spats between the clubs – people are terrified of pouring petrol onto a powder keg – but can’t we be just a bit more mature about this?

This is an historic occasion. The words spoken before and after this FA cup tie will pass into the history books of the future.

It’s good to talk, you know?

If institutions as reassuringly familiar as Northern Rock, Woolies and M & S can be credit crunched, how long before our football clubs start to suffer?

The answer is, they already have – and in more ways than is immediately obvious.

We all know about stadium constructors downing tools on the new Anfield because of rising building costs, Liverpool’s American owners struggling to refinance their borrowings and Everton finding it well nigh impossible to attract new investors.

But there are other, stealthier, concerns brought on by the economic downturn.

Everton spent a club record transfer fee to bring Marouane Fellaini from Standard Liege.

But his signature may cost the club quite a bit more than the advertised £15m as a result of the falling pound.

Unless the Blues have hedged against foreign currency transactions – for accounting ignoramuses like myself, that means paying for a financial instrument that protects against foreign currency movements – the falling pound could mean a bigger transfer fee.

When Fellaini signed on September 1, a euro was worth around 81p. Then Alistair Darling said that Britain was facing the worst economic conditions in 60 years and the pound went into freefall.

Now a euro is worth almost as much as a pound.

Which all means Fellaini’s transfer fee could rise by a couple of million unless the pound recovers.

Then there’s the issue of wages.

Everton and Liverpool pay their players in pounds – even the ones who hail from Europe – which means their salaries, albeit spectacular, are still not worth as much back home as they were when they signed their contracts.

There is no suggestion that the issue is upsetting anybody at Anfield or Goodison, as it shouldn’t when you’re talking about such stellar salaries.

But it’s worth noting that Manchester United have circumvented any potential problems by paying for some transfers and some wages in euros.

It’s an increasingly precarious world out there, and our football clubs are suffering as much as everyone else.

Pennant To Sacrifice Real Madrid And AC Milan For Liverpool Stay

Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant could stay at Anfield according to regional newspaper the Liverpool Echo.

The 25-year-old winger has been the subject of extensive speculation with all manner of clubs including Real Madrid, AC Milan, Hull City and Spurs all linked with the player.

Under the terms of his current contract, the former Arsenal and Birmingham man could walk away at the end of the season on a Bosman but with Liverpool chiefs keen not to lose the highly-rated wide-man without any return it is now thought the player could remain at Anfield for another year.

When sport.co.uk contacted Pennant's agent, Sky Andrew, he refused to comment but promised an update on Monday morning.

The news will come as a huge disappointment to both Phil Brown and Harry Redknapp, both of whom were supposedly keen on bringing the player to their respective clubs.