Benitez refuses to let Reds boardroom become distraction
Benitez says the row between Hicks and Gillett will not affect the players
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Saturday, 19, Apr 2008 09:42
Rafael Benitez has refused to let the battle between Liverpool's owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, become a distraction.
The Reds face Fulham today knowing victory would almost assure them of a fourth place finish in the Premier League – and with it Champions League football next season.
Benitez admitted that despite the importance of finishing fourth he was likely to rest some key players ahead of the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Chelsea on Tuesday.
He said: "Obviously I will be thinking a bit about playing key games in Europe after Fulham. But the key is to keep winning, we may do it with different players and we need to use other players."
The Spaniard refused to comment on whether he had met with either Hicks or Gillett following ten days of uncertainty surrounding the club's future.
However, he assured supporters that he remained committed to the club despite former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann being linked with the Reds again last week.
"At this moment I have two years on my contract. I am really pleased and happy here and want to stay," said Benitez.
The manager does not believe the off-field issues will become a distraction for his side as they prepare for some crucial games.
Benitez said: "The players showed that they are really good professionals, they are focused and concentrating on the games and that is one of the keys to our success now."
Liverpool will go eight points clear of Everton with three games remaining if they can beat Fulham at Craven Cottage today.