Rafa Benitez: Misunderstandings with owners are in the past

Dec 18 2007

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes he has cleared up any misunderstanding with the club’s co-owners.

Benitez said talks with American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks following the 1-0 defeat by Manchester United at Anfield had been “very positive”.

The meeting was held following a fall-out over the American’s transfer policy.

Benitez was hurt by suggestions that perhaps he should stick to training and coaching and leave money matters to others.

He told www.liverpoolfc.tv: “We needed to clarify the situation and it was a very positive meeting.

“The conversation was very fluid because we were face to face, whereas it’s more difficult over the phone or by email.

“My English isn’t always the best but having the chance to talk to them slowly and with time allowed us to analyse small problems. Now we can move forward.”

Meanwhile midfielder Xabi Alonso could return against Chelsea in the Carling Cup quarter-final match tomorrow following a 10-match absence with a metatarsal injury.

Alonso has made a full recovery after being sidelined since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in October.

Benitez said: “Xabi is training normally and should be available for the match at Chelsea.

“We are going into a busy period with lots of games so it is important to have our best players available.”