Benitez commits his future to Liverpool
Friday, 14 December 2007 08:35Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has reiterated his desire to remain at Anfield for the foreseeable future.
Benitez is due to hold talks with the club's co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks, possibly following the crucial Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.
The high-profile meeting follows the fall-out over the new American owners' transfer policy.
Benitez was angered by suggestions - in the wake of his comments about the January spending policy - that perhaps he should stick to training and coaching and leave money matters to others.
The attitude concerning all parties seems to be softening, however.
'I am very happy in Liverpool and I would like to be here for many more years,' Benitez told Spanish newspaper AS.
'We have had some disagreements (with the owners) at a professional level. But when we meet and talk everything will be cleared up and it will be seen as a simple misunderstanding.
'We all want the same thing which is the best for Liverpool and as such I am sure that we will understand each other well.'
However Benitez accepts managers are under more scrutiny than ever before because of matters financial.
He said: 'Maybe there is more pressure. They (the directors) look for quicker and better results because there are people who are investing a lot of money. This possibly makes the owners a little more nervous.
'But I think that everything will stabilise and, as has always been done in England, you will be given time for the projects.'
With Daniel Agger still sidelined with a foot injury, Benitez plans to strengthen his defence in January.
He said: 'We have had a problem at centre-back because we could not close the signing of Gabriel Heinze. Then Agger got injured. This has forced us to play with Sami Hyypia who is 34 and Jamie Carragher in every game.
'You are looking at two matches per week and with the intensity that the game is played here, it is not easy for them to do it. Our idea is to bring in a centre-back, to provide balance to the team in this position.'
Meanwhile Steve Finnan is doubtful for the match on Sunday after taking a kick on his calf.
