Source: Liverpool_Echo
Reds boss Benitez refuses to moan at reduced transfer kitty - Liverpool FC latest
Reds boss Benitez refuses to moan at reduced transfer kitty
RAFA BENITEZ may not be much of a cricket lover, but he certainly knows how to play a straight bat.
The American owners' current vice-like grip on the Anfield purse strings represents a major threat to the manager's hopes of finally leading the club to Premier League glory this season.
Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham highlighted the desperate need to strengthen the squad in key areas before the transfer window closes.
A centre-back and another attacking option are vital, but the problem is that Tom Hicks and George Gillett appear unwilling to back Benitez with hard cash.
The £20million kitty he was promised earlier this year has failed to materialise.
The owners' recent refinancing deal and bumper new contracts for stars such as Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt has seen funds for recruiting players dip alarmingly.
Benitez has returned a profit for the club on his dealings so far this summer with £36million spent on Glen Johnson and Alberto Aquilani, while around £38million has been brought in from the sale of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Sebastian Leto, along with youngsters Adam Hammill, Jack Hobbs and Paul Anderson.
The result is that the manager has just £2million to play with and any major signing would have to be subsidised by trimming his squad back even further.
Daniel Agger's back injury has made the search for a centre-back even more crucial but hefty price tags have already forced the manager to abandon any hope of signing either Hull's Michael Turner or Stoke's Ryan Ryan Shawcross.
Having come so close last season, it's a bitterly frustrating situation.
However, the Spaniard was putting a brave face on things at Melwood yesterday and refused to be drawn into any criticism of the owners.
Asked if he was worried about the depth of talent in his squad, he said: 'Not really.'
He added: 'We have to work with the players we have got and I am really pleased with them.
'We have good players with quality and young players who can learn and improve during the season.
'If the young players have more opportunities they will get more experience. Hopefully with the senior players helping them it will be enough for us.'
Benitez wouldn't discuss the lack of cash and added: 'I prefer not to talk about money.
'The scouting department are trying to find players just in case.
'You never know what could happen and until the last day we have to be ready.'
Unless the Americans change their tune, Benitez will have to settle for a cheap buy or push on with what he's got.
And after Sunday's defeat in the capital he's looking for a big response from his players against Stoke at Anfield tonight.
With Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal having all got off to a winning start at the weekend, the Reds can't afford another slip up.
