Rafa Benitez decides Liverpool transfer targets but works to budget says Tom Hicks

19 March 2009 14:45
Benitez put pen to paper on a new deal yesterday and the American Hicks insisted that he too would be around for the long haul. [LNB]Speculation was rife that Benitez could be lured back to Spain by Real Madrid after growing frustrated with his lack of spending power compared to title rivals Manchester United and Chelsea. [LNB] Related ArticlesBenitez 'will be backed to buy'[LNB]Boardroom revolution bears fruits[LNB]Liverpool fans convinced Benitez to stay[LNB]Benitez signs new £20m Anfield deal[LNB]Five transfer targets for Benitez[LNB]Five high points of Benitez at Liverpool[LNB]'I was never worried we would lose Rafa Benitez,' said Hicks. 'The tabloids have a unique way and I couldn't believe what I was reading when I was still talking to Rafa. [LNB]"These things are complicated. A five-year contract is complicated, so I'm just relieved we finally got it done. [LNB]"From the supporters' point of view, to have it done on top of such a great week on the pitch is great." [LNB]The American co-owner admitted there was no planned date, as yet, for moving in to a new stadium that would increase the club's revenue and competitiveness in the transfer window. [LNB]However, Hicks fully intends to around to see it happen. [LNB]'I can't speak for [co-owner] George Gillett, I'll be here for at least five years,' he said. [LNB]Benitez's contract is believed to have had as many as eight different drafts as he sought assurances that he would be given complete control over transfers and the youth set up. [LNB]However, Hicks said: "That was in the media but it was never really true. [LNB]"I sat down with Rafa a couple of months ago and he made it very clear that he knows a manager can't have control over transfer budget. [LNB]"He has had his frustrations over the last five years and those are well chronicled but he will make the recommendations about which players we sign and the new CEO, the owners and the board will make the final financial commitment. And that is the way it needs to be."[LNB]'I did not have to make any promises. We have a budget each year has to work to.'[LNB]On Liverpool's prospects for the remainder of the season, Hicks confessed to a quiet optimism. [LNB]'We have a chance to catch Manchester United,' he said. 'It's not a great chance, but it's a chance.' [LNB] 

Source: Telegraph