Rafa rejects fall-out reports
13 Jan 2009 - 14:17:16
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has dismissed reports that he has fallen out with the club's owners amid a power struggle at Anfield.
The Spaniard has not always seen eye-to-eye with American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but claims fresh stories that their relationship had taken a turn for the worse over his new deal are wide of the mark.
Reports had claimed that talks over a new contract were on the verge of breaking down as Benitez had demanded total control over the club's transfer plans.
However, the former Valencia coach claims a deal has already been agreed in principle and that stories of unrest are incorrect.
"My agent only received the draft document of my contract on Monday evening so my surprise is that some journalists can talk about there being problems before I have even read it properly and discussed it," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.
"We have agreed the length of contract and we have agreed the salary. Now we have to discuss my role and my responsibilities as manager of the club.
"But we haven't had the opportunity to do that yet.
"Someone has information and clearly wants to create a mess, but I haven't discussed anything yet because, as I say, the contract only arrived on Monday night.
"I don't have any problems at all with the American owners."