RAFA BENITEZ has called for an urgent meeting with
Liverpools new owners as speculation linking him with Real Madrid
mounts. The Liverpool boss insists he has had no contact with the
Spanish giants but wants assurances that American tycoons George
Gillett and Tom Hicks share his ambitions.
Hicks and Gillett have remained in the background while the nuts
and bolts of their takeover have been sorted out. But they are
ready to assume control after taking their shareholding in
Liverpool to 94.4 per cent.
Now Benitez feels it is time for them to outline their blueprint
for the clubs future. Benitez said: There are always a lot of
rumours in the newspapers and a lot of people have been talking
about Madrid.
I have read in some papers Ive had meetings with people from
Madrid. This is not true. Whats clear is Im very happy at
Liverpool. I couldnt have had more support than Ive had here, but
now we have new people taking over and its important I talk to the
American owners.
I have spoken to them once, when they first came to the club, but
now I would like to see them again as soon as possible and talk
about the future. As Ive said before, I dont just want to talk
about money to spend on players. I would also like to hear about
the plans which will improve the club. We need to do things which
not only help for one or two years, but will help the club for the
next 100 years.
Gillett and Hicks will be back in this country on March 31 and are
said to be just as keen as Benitez to sit down with their manager
and discuss their plans. Even though the Benitez says talks about a
transfer kitty are not his only priority, the rumours linking him
with a move to the Bernabeu can only strengthen his bargaining
position.
Real made an official request to speak to speak to Benitez last
year before they appointed Fabio Capello. It was rejected and
Liverpool persuaded their manager to sign an extended contract. But
with Real and Capello poised to part company this summer after
another disastrous season, Spanish sources say they want to replace
him with either Benitez, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho or Getafe chief
Bernd Schuster in that order.
