Source: Daily_Mail
Rafa Benitez dodges Roy Hodgson accusations over Dirk Kuy chase
Inter Milan coach Rafa Benitez has responded to Liverpool's claims that he had agreed not to poach players from Anfield by insisting he is not responsible for signing players for the Italian club.[LNB]Reds manager Roy Hodgson has said Benitez would be reneging on an agreement not to raid Anfield for players if he pursued Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt. [LNB]But Benitez, speaking in Monaco ahead of Friday's UEFA Super Cup final between Inter and Atletico Madrid, ducked questions about any agreement. [LNB] I know nothing: Benitez insists signing players is out of his hands at Inter Milan[LNB]The Spaniard said: 'I am the coach and I cannot sign players - that is for the technical director and the chairman. [LNB]'I am fine like this - I can focus on my work on the pitch and that is all. I am the coach, not the manager.'[LNB] Hodgson had denied any knowledge of Kuyt wanting to leave despite suggestions by his agent that talks between Liverpool and Inter are continuing. [LNB]'Dirk has not expressed that sentiment to me,' said Hodgson, who insisted the assurances he had received from Inter president Massimo Moratti last week that the Italians were not intending to buy any Liverpool players still held firm. [LNB] Man in the middle: Kuyt (centre) has been linked with a move to Serie A[LNB]'When he left the club Rafael Benitez signed an agreement that he would not poach players from Liverpool. [LNB]'We haven't received an offer from any club so this is something obviously going on behind the scenes, with the agent possibly talking to the manager of Inter Milan.'[LNB] Benitez, who evaded further questions on the subject, will see his side taking on the team supported by his father on Friday. [LNB]'It will be a tough game for us, they are a very talented team with quality players and they have great offensive potential,' he said.[LNB] Keep out Rafa! Hodgson blasts former Liverpool boss over Kuyt swoopSign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsJavier Mascherano stalemate as Barcelona refuse to pay Liverpool £25m for Argentina midfielder Juventus set up £13m deal to land Aquilani after signing flop on loanLIVERPOOL FC
