Tom Hicks camp denies Rafael Benitez is on the brink of leaving
Liverpool
Gillett and Hicks have been locked in talks
with Benitez over a new contract
Sources close to Tom Hicks, the Liverpool co-owner, have
responded with dismay to suggestions that Rafael Benitez is on the
brink of leaving the club.
The Spaniard's future as manager appeared more uncertain than
ever this morning, as rumours swept Madrid and Liverpool suggesting
he was about to leave Anfield.
Leading bookmakers suspended all bets on his future at the club,
however the Hicks camp has moved swiftly to play down the reports,
with sources claiming that despite the antagonism between the
owners and Benitez, they will not allow the manager to walk
away.
Benitez has been locked in talks over a new contract in recent
months and surprised the club’s hierarchy by rejecting a fifth
draft of the deal over the weekend. The Liverpool manager has less
than 18 months left on his contract at Anfield and believes that if
he reaches the end of the season without a commitment from Hicks
and George Gillett, he would be forced to look for a new job.
