Bellamy slams rift talk
29 Apr 2007 - 14:43:06
Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has dismissed reports suggesting he has fallen out with Reds boss Rafa Benitez.
The volatile Welshman famously fell out with then Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness, and has also been involved in several off-pitch controversies.
He is being widely tipped to be heading out of Anfield at the end of the season and produced an insipid display in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg defeat at Chelsea before being substituted.
But he told the club's website of his supposed rift with Benitez: "That's complete garbage.
"I've gone on record recently and I'll say it again now that I've learnt more from Rafael Benitez than any other coach I've worked with.
"I'm a much better player for the time I've spent working with him and, if I do go on to manage at some point in the future, he's the model I'll use in my career. I can't make my respect for him any clearer than that.
"I'm even more disappointed that we're approaching a massive game on Tuesday against Chelsea and I'm having to waste time responding to this nonsense."