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Hicks hints at Rafa solution
Liverpool, 11:34, January 17, 2009 ,
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is hoping Rafael Benitez's contract dispute aids his bid to oust Anfield chief executive Rick Parry.
The Texan businessman attempted to reassure fans that the manager would not walk out and has promised to find a way to give Benitez what he wants - complete control over Liverpool's transfers, spending and deal-making.
The Spaniard's contract stand-off could not have come at a worse time for the club with a derby double header around the corner and arch rivals Manchester United poised to overtake the Reds at the top of the Premier League.
Hicks has promised Benitez will be with the club for years to come and that could spell the end for Parry - the man who the boss blames for not acting quickly enough to secure his transfer targets.
He said: "I will be working with Rafa to get this resolved - and I am just not worried about it at all.
"Rafa is going to be coach of Liverpool for the next five years, and we will work through all this.
"Rafa has been frustrated for a long time at the length of time it has taken certain things to happen. We understand that and are committed to working with him.
"We can fix it - and we will. Rafa wants to be the manager and will be the manager."
Benitez is still furious that Liverpool failed to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa in the summer after the player went out on a limb to get the move.
Club insiders say as a result the Spaniard is demanding the sort of control over spending, wages and terms and conditions that would make him the most powerful manager in the world - with even more control than Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Parry currently controls the spending - Benitez gives him a wish-list of players but the chief executive gets the final call and this has been the bone of contention.
Benitez's current deal runs out in 18 months, and he said: "The owners feel that the manager's decisions need to be subject to the chief executive.
"But I know that I am subject to results and to our fans and they are the best judges I will ever have."