Source: Telegraph
Liverpool dismiss rumour Rafa Benitez is to quit after bookmakers suspend betting
Real Madrid v LiverpoolKick-off: Wed Feb 25, 7.45pm; Santiago Bernabeu, MadridTV: Sky Sports 2, Sky Sports HD1Radio: BBC Radio Five Live [LNB]Both William Hill and SkyBet have refused to take any more bets on Benitez's future after a raft of money was placed on his leaving Liverpool on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. [LNB]The club, though, say nothing has changed in the negotiations over his new deal and that it is very much business as usual for the players and staff ahead of tonight's Champions League tie with Real Madrid. [LNB]Rumours on internet messageboards started to trickle through last night after Benitez's pre-game press conference, at which he appeared relaxed and in confident mood, joking with Jamie Carragher and happily switching between English and Spanish as he answered questions. [LNB]First, it was suggested Benitez had walked out of the Ritz Hotel in the Spanish capital, where the team are staying, with assistant Sammy Lee placed in temporary charge. Mark Lawrenson, the former Liverpool defender, even mentioned the speculation in an Irish radio interview, although he insisted he did not believe it. [LNB]That served purely to fuel the flames, though club sources were adamant Benitez had taken training before returning to the Ritz with his players in good spirits. This morning, though, the speculation mounted that talks over his new contract had broken down irretrievably and he had decided to leave Anfield in the summer. [LNB]Benitez has been discussing the four-year extension for months, with personal terms agreed before Christmas. The sticking point originally seemed to concern the level of control over his transfer budget and long-term deals for his staff, though now the problem is believed to be a get-out clause for the manager should Tom Hicks and George Gillett offload the club to owners who do not share Benitez's vision. [LNB]Talk Benitez had decided to leave prompted the bookmakers, fearing gamblers with inside knowledge of the situation were manipulating the odds, to suspend betting. Paddy Power have confirmed they have even taken bets on Benitez leaving his post today. [LNB]But Liverpool insist such speculation is 'nonsense,' confirming Benitez went on a walk with his players this morning before returning to the hotel for lunch and a team meeting. Liverpool are due at the Bernabeu at around 6pm before this evening's match, which kicks off at 8.45pm Spanish time.[LNB]
