Benitez unconcerned by cash
Benitez's side are in danger of dropping out of the Europe's elite competition
Also In The News
|
Nigel Hastilow has stepped down as the Conservative party's candidate for his constituency after claiming Enoch Powell "was right" on immigration. |  |
Monday, 05, Nov 2007 09:53
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has shrugged off concerns that an early exit from the Champions League could dent the club's coffers.
The Anfield club have picked up a solitary point from their opening three games of the competition and must beat Turkish side Besiktas at home on Tuesday night to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Reports have estimated the lost TV cash and gate receipts from a dismal departure at upwards of £10 million, but the former Valencia boss believes such a shortfall will not unduly affect club owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.
The American duo have recently unveiled ambitious plans for a new stadium for their recent acquisition, but the budget for the project has already been inflated by a rise in the cost of steel.
"I was surprised because people were talking about figures if we don't reach the final, but to reach a final it is very difficult," said Benitez.
"When you are talking about a stadium that costs over 400 million pounds, the difference that 10 more million or 10 less million makes is not massive. We must just think about football and after you can think about figures."
The Reds have an impressive European record and to drop into the Uefa Cup having failed to progress beyond the group stage would represent their worst continental campaign under the Spaniard's guidance.
After a surprise win in Benitez's first season at the club in 2005, Liverpool reached the final again last May only for AC Milan to gain revenge with a 2-1 victory.