Benitez rejects Liverpool offer
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez turns down latest contract offer
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Friday, 16, Jan 2009 10:39
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has turned down the latest offer of a new contract from the club's owners.
Benitez, who has been negotiating with the club for several weeks, has rejected the most recent deal because of a difference of opinion with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over his role within the management structure.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo newspaper, Benitez said: "The owners feel that the manager's decisions need to be subject to the chief executive.
"But I know that I am subject to results and to our fans and they are the best judges I will ever have."
He continued: "I have a lot of experience in football at different clubs and if you do not have a technical director and you are the manager you have to have control of the football decisions - but always within the confines of a budget which is controlled by the owners and the club.
"In this scenario the manager knows the amount money he has available to him and can decide how much he should spend on each player according to the needs of the team.
"The only person who can decide the value of a player to his squad is the manager because he knows what elements are needed to improve the squad."
Despite rumours over a rift with Hicks and Gillett, who are seen as disruptive figures within the club by Liverpool's fans, Benitez described his relationship with the Americans as "better than people think".
"I have regular contact with them, and especially with Tom Hicks who has always been very supportive," the Spaniard continued.
"The talks between my agent and the advisers of the owners have been very positive and friendly and our differences are about my responsibilities.
"I have to say again that this is not about financial gain. This is not a way to get more money. This is solely about being allowed to manage Liverpool football club to the best of my abilities as I see them."
A spokesperson for the owners said: "As Rafa says he enjoys a strong working relationship with Tom and George and they are united behind the team.
"They understand Rafa's frustrations and are committed to working with him and his advisers to find a solution.
"They will keep talking, and in the meantime all focus is on the pitch and the next game."