Source: Daily_Mail
Babel denies Benitez bust-up and insists he's happy to stay at Anfield
Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has denied accusing manager Rafa Benitez of 'breaking promises' and insisted he is determined to stay at Anfield and fight for his first team place after coming off the bench to set-up the winner in the 3-2 win against West Ham.
Last month Babel had reportedly demanded a January return to Ajax having apparently fallen out of favour with Benitez.
Fearing the prospect of surrendering his place in Holland's squad for next year's World Cup in South Africa, after being axed for their recent qualifier against Scotland, the attacker was quoted attempting to engineer a loan move to his former employers.
Staying Put: Ryan Babel has vowed to stay and fight for his first team place at Liverpool, denying reports he wants to leave Anfield for former club Ajax
Staying Put: Ryan Babel has vowed to stay and fight for his first team place at Liverpool, denying reports he wants to leave Anfield for former club Ajax
But Babel, 22, rejected those claims underlining his intention to prove his worth at Anfield after two largely frustrating seasons since his £11.5m arrival in 2007, eager to repay his manager's faith.
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'I didn't accuse the manager of anything,' he told the Liverpool Echo.
'The fact is I'm happy here and i don't want to leave Liverpool to go anywhere.
'Yes there is a lot of competition for places but that is the same at every top club.
I didn't say any of those things. I did an interview in Holland but it was the worst translation I've ever seen. I told the manager straight away it was not me.
For the team: Babel is thanked by Torres after providing the Spaniard's winner at Upton Park
For the team: Babel is thanked by Torres after providing the Spaniard's winner at Upton Park
'He accepted that and there is no problem. I just want to concentrate on playing.'
The Dutch international has failed to land a starting spot in the Liverpool ine-up since the opening day Premier League defeat at Tottenham, featuring three times since from the bench.
However he insists he has no qualms with Benitez and is focused on proving he is integral to the Spaniard's plans this term after expertly providing Fernando Torres' fabulous header which sealed a hard-fought victory at Upton Park on Saturday.
'It was great to be out there and I'm really pleased I was able to help us get three crucial points,' Babel added.
'I enjoyed it and that will give me some confidence.
'If I keep working hard then hopefully I can get more minutes and in the end get a place back in the starting XI.'
Babel is expected to get the nod in attack for Liverpool's third-round Carling Cup visit to League One leaders Leeds at Elland Road on Tuesday night, where he will get an immediate opportunity to silence his critics.
