Liverpool co-owner George Gillett says the Champions
League finalists are about to enter "phase two" of their summer
strengthening.
The Anfield giants have already made sure the backbone of their
side will remain intact for years to come by signing several
players to new long-term deals.
Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso have
all put pen to paper on contract extensions.
But most Anfield fans were expecting Gillett and co-owner Tom Hicks
to splash the cash on expensive new signings as well, with names
like Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres mentioned as potential
targets.
Gillett admits that he feels pressure to bring in new players, and
says the club are trying to get deals done.
He told the club's official website: "I sense that kind of pressure
building from the media. I think the fans know that we have huge
regard for Rafa. He has a number of initiatives and concepts and
plans under way.
"We're not going to do something just to try to prove something. I
can assure you that we are working on different things.
"The first part was identifying a number of our existing star
players whom Rafa wanted to sign on long-term contracts.
"That was the first step and it has been done. Now we're moving on
to phase two, which is bringing players in.
"For Tom and me, this really is about trying to win championships,
and that takes commitment, no matter what sport.
"We are pleased with Rafa and his strategy. It's not dissimilar to
what he outlined to us in February. His belief is to look for
players with the proper chemistry to enhance the team.
"We support Rafa. He has a programme under way and, as that
unfolds, that will be the time for us to be judged, not now."
