Source: SKY_Sports
Hicks never feared Rafa exit
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks insists he never feared manager Rafa Benitez would not sign a new contract at Anfield.[LNB] Benitez - who took over on Merseyside in 2004 - ended months of speculation on Wednesday evening by agreeing a fresh five-year deal with the Premier League outfit.[LNB]It had been rumoured that the former Valencia boss was ready to quit the Reds due to a disagreement with Hicks and co-owner George Gillett regarding his level of control over transfer policy.[LNB]But Hicks is adamant that he never doubted that the Spaniard would put pen-to-paper on new terms. [LNB]"I have never been worried about whether he was going to sign because I know that Rafa has such a passion for Liverpool," Hicks told Sky Sports News.[LNB]"I have looked him in the eye and I know that. But these things are complicated. A five-year contract is complicated and I am relieved we have finally got it done."[LNB]Bust-upHicks has also played down suggestions of a bust-up over Benitez's influence in transfer matters and the recruitment plans of the club's academy.[LNB]The Texas-based businessman maintains that promises have not been made regarding an increased say over a transfer budget and he states that a new chief executive - who will replace the outgoing Rick Parry - will continue to play a major role.[LNB]"That was never really true," he added. "I sat down with Rafa a couple of months ago and he knows the manager can't have control over the transfer budget.[LNB]"He has had his frustrations over the past five years, but he will make the recommendations about which players we sign, and the new chief executive and the owners and the board will make the final financial commitment.[LNB]"That is the way it needs to be and will be in English football.[LNB]"We really haven't had to make promises to Rafa. He knows we want to win.[LNB]Effective"If you look back at the last two years, we have followed his recommendations. We signed (Fernando) Torres, extended (Jose) Reina, signed (Yossi) Benayoun, (Ryan) Babel, (Martin) Skrtel, (Javier) Mascherano and (Andrea) Dossena.[LNB]"We even signed (Robbie) Keane and that didn't work out. I know we want to re-sign (Daniel) Agger. I think that Rafa is not worried about that.[LNB]"Rafa is a professional. He knows he has to work to a budget. A budget will be set every year based on revenues."[LNB]Hicks has also revealed that the club are not going to rush into naming a successor to Parry, who is to leave at the end of the season, and has announced that a replacement may not be selected until September.[LNB]"A new chief executive will communicate more effectively with Rafa and other members of senior management. I feel very good about the direction of the club right now," said Hicks.[LNB]"We are going to take our time (with the search for a new chief executive). We want to make sure we get it right. It may take six months."[LNB]
