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JANUARY 9
Benitez waits on
new deal
Sky Sports
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed his
disappointment at the slow progress in his contract negotiations.
The former Valencia boss - who launched an astonishing
attack on Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday - opened
discussions with the Liverpool hierarchy in November and both parties
expressed a desire to secure an extended deal.
It was thought that Benitez was close to putting pen-to-paper in
December, but discussions were put on hold as the Spaniard underwent a
kidney stones operation.
However, Benitez - whose current terms expire in 2010 - has revealed
that his representative has yet to receive paperwork from the club.
"My agent has not yet received any documents, and he is a little
disappointed," said Benitez.
"But okay, we will see what happens. But I do not want to say too much
at the moment."
Meanwhile, Benitez has stated that he is waiting for a 'good offer' for
out-of-favour winger Jermaine Pennant.
AC Milan, Real Madrid, Stoke and Hull City have all expressed an
interest in the former Birmingham player and it appears inevitable the
£6.7million flop will leave Merseyside in January.
"I have had a conversation with Jermaine," added Benitez. "He is waiting
for a good offer and we are waiting for a good offer.
"A new contract for him would be very difficult."
JANUARY 9
Rafa launches
Fergie attack
By Peter Fraser - Sky Sports
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has launched an astonishing
attack on Sir Alex Ferguson and has accused the Manchester United
manager of attempting to start 'early' mind games in the Premier League
title race.
Benitez takes his table-topping side to Stoke on Saturday looking to
reinforce their position at the summit, but he has been angered by
comments from Ferguson.
The Reds could move 10 points clear of third-placed United, who would
enjoy the luxury of three games in hand, with victory at the Britannia
Stadium but Ferguson has suggested that the Liverpool could choke under
the pressure.
Ferguson's observation has caused an outburst from Benitez and the
Spaniard has launched criticism of the Old Trafford boss, claiming he is
the only manager to avoid punishment in the current Respect campaign.
Benitez said: "We had a meeting in Manchester with managers and the
Football Association about the respect campaign.
"And I was very clear, forget the campaign because Mr Ferguson was
killing the referees, killing Mr (Martin) Atkinson, killing Mr (Keith)
Hackett.
Ban
"But I have seen some facts. On 1st November, they played Hull and Mr
Ferguson had a two-match touchline ban and a £10,000 fine after
confronting Mike Dean, the referee, for improper conduct.
"We started the Respect campaign, and that was when (Javier) Mascherano
was sent off (last season) at Old Trafford.
"The referee (Steve Bennett) was the referee when they played against
Wigan - he could not see the handball against Wigan by Rio Ferdinand, he
did not give a penalty. They won the game and they won the title in this
game.
"I think it will be the same referee who will be in charge of their game
in hand this season (against Wigan).
"During the Respect campaign - and this is a fact - Mr Ferguson was
charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin
Atkinson and Keith Hackett.
"He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot
be punished for these things."
Tricks
Benitez also feels that Ferguson's suggestion that Liverpool cannot
handle the pressure at the top of the table is only an example of the
Scot's infamous psychological tricks.
"I was surprised but I have to talk about facts," added Benitez. "I
think that is important. I think they (United) are nervous because we
are at the top of the table.
"I want to be clear. I don't want to play mind games too early and I
think that they want to start."
And Benitez has also been angered by Ferguson's complaints about the
English fixture list.
"Then he was talking about the fixtures," continued the former Valencia
chief. "Two years ago we were playing a lot of early kick-offs away on
Saturdays when United were playing on Sundays. And we didn't say
anything.
Complain
"Now he is complaining about everything, that everybody is against
United. But the second half of the season will see them playing at home
against all the teams at the top of the table, it is a fantastic
advantage.
"But at Christmas, United played on the 29th and the rest of the teams
played on the 28th. We were away against Newcastle two days after
playing Bolton. They were playing about 40 hours later, they were not
complaining then.
"If he wants to talk about fixtures, and have a level playing field as
you say in England. There are two options if we don't want more problems
with fixtures.
"One is the same as in Spain, the draw for the first part of the league
is known, everyone knows which weekend. In the second half everyone
plays the opposite, so you all know.
"Sky have the right to choose their games and it will be the same for
everyone. So Mr Ferguson will not be complaining about fixtures and a
campaign against United.
"Or there is another option. That Mr Ferguson organises the fixtures in
his office and sends it to us and everyone will know and cannot
complain. That is simple."
