Benitez fires future warning

Rafa Benitez has warned Liverpool's owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks they could lose him if they fail to deliver on a new contract.

The Spaniard has just 18 months to run on his current deal but talks about extending his future have failed to materialise and Benitez is worried any delay could see him quit Anfield in circumstances similar to when he walked away from Valencia - just weeks after leading them to a second La Liga title and the Uefa Cup.

"I left Valencia because there were problems with my contract and other situations that meant I decided to leave," said Benitez.

"It wasn't my idea to leave because I had a list of names in place that would have improved the team. I believe Valencia would have gone on to win trophies."

Benitez is calm about the situation but hopes American pair Gillett and Hicks approach him soon to open talks.

"I spoke with George Gillett in London last week, but there was nothing about a new contract," he added.

"That is OK because I want to concentrate on football. But if the owners ask to talk about a new contract, that would be good also. If not, I will continue to do my job for as long as I can and then we will see.

"I really want to stay with Liverpool and hopefully in the future the squad will be even better."