Liverpool to open contract talks with Benitez
Liverpool to open talks with Rafael Benitez over new contract
Also In The News
|
Tottenham continued their great run of form with a convincing 4-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb at White Hart Lane in the Uefa Cup this evening. |  |
Friday, 07, Nov 2008 10:41
Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have revealed they are set to open talks with manager Rafael Benitez over a new contract.
The Reds currently sit second in the Premier League, behind Chelsea on goal difference, and are well poised to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
In a statement, Hicks and Gillett said they are "really pleased with the progress of the team" and revealed they are keen to extend Benitez's four-and-a-half-year tenure at Anfield.
"Rafa continues to do a great job," the statement added.
"We look forward to talking to him and his advisors about extending his contract."
Benitez has delivered a Champions League title and European Super Cup in 2005 and an FA Cup and Community Shield in 2006 since taking over in June 2004.
He has also led the Reds to the final of the League Cup in 2005 and was a losing finalist in the Champions League in 2007.
The Spaniard described the talks as "very positive news", suggesting he is keen to accept a new deal when discussions get underway next week.
"We haven't spoken about the length of the contract but we talked and we all want to find a solution as soon as possible," he told the club's official website.
"For me it's easy. I want to stay here - I am where I want to be. It's very simple.
"My family and I know how good the fans have been with us. The club is going forward and we have the new stadium project. There are a lot of positive things.
"I want to stay here for a long time. Clearly I would like to be here when the new stadium opens. The other day I was joking that if they offered me a 20-year contract I'd be really pleased."
The news marks a major turnaround from the behind-the-scenes upheaval of last season, when Gillett and Hicks were involved in a very public spat over the direction of the club.
However, Benitez revealed that these issues now seem to be in the past: "The owners know we are doing well.
"The atmosphere is really good, we are at the top of the league and our Champions League group. The team is playing well."