Rafa hits out at demand talk
24 Jun 2008 - 13:04:20
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has angrily denied reports that he has demanded a £50million transfer kitty from the Anfield board.
Newspaper reports on Tuesday morning had suggested the Spanish coach was on a collision course with the club's American owners over his summer transfer demands.
It was claimed Benitez had set his sights on landing England midfielder Gareth Barry, Spain international duo David Villa and David Silva, and Sevilla's Brazil wing-back Daniel Alves for a combined £50million.
However, an angry Benitez has branded stories of the £50million kitty and potential boardroom conflict as "rubbish".
He told the Liverpool Echo: "The stories are ridiculous. Total rubbish.
"They have me trying to sign Daniel Alves, who already has an agreement with Barcelona, so how could I be trying to sign him?
"I am working hard with (chief executive) Rick Parry, who is in regular contact with the Americans, and there are no problems.
"The reports are just unbelievable."