Rafa: Exit won't hurt us
02 Sep 2007 - 09:48:53
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez brushed off claims that the departure of his number two, Pako Ayestaran, will harm their chances of securing silverware this season.
Ayestaran, who worked alongside Benitez for 11 years at Tenerife, Valencia and Liverpool, has left Anfield after a reported breakdown in relations between the pair.
But Benitez, speaking after Saturday's 6-0 thrashing of Derby County, insisted the departure of his former assistant will not affect matters on the pitch.
"Personally this has been disappointing, but we are determined to keep going - nobody is bigger than the club," said the Spaniard.
"It is a shame this has happened, but the club are now talking to Pako over the terms of his departure."
Meanwhile, Benitez hailed his quality of his side's attacking play after they hammered the hapless Rams at Anfield.
"In the first half we played really well, found space, passed well and had some excellent movement," he said.
"I was pleased with all the goals, but Ryan Babel's was probably the best.
"But it was good to see Fernando Torres keep scoring, while Xabi Alonso could have had a hat-trick.
"When (Andriy) Voronin came on he fitted straight into the play and also scored.
"I just wanted to see Dirk Kuyt score because he had done so much running and created a lot of space for other players.
"It was good to score four and then six in front of our own fans this week."