Benitez demands answers on Parry

Apr 14 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

FRESH doubt has been cast over Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool future after the Spaniard expressed fears his job is being undermined.

The Anfield manager has called for urgent talks with the club’s board after further revelations emerged over the weekend concerning chief executive Rick Parry which call into question the relationship between the pair.

Privately, the Spaniard is running out of patience with the discord behind the scenes and will consider offers from elsewhere if the struggle for power in the boardroom continues much longer.

And Benitez is seemingly ready to side with Tom Hicks in calling for Parry to be dismissed.

The latest twist centres on the November meeting of Liverpool co-owners Hicks and George Gillett with Jurgen Klinsmann to discuss a proposal to become the new Anfield manager.

Benitez was made aware of the discussions within days, with Hicks publicly admitting in January to the approach while backing the Spaniard.

But Hicks has now claimed that chief executive Parry was also among those present at the clandestine summit in California.

And that has startled Benitez who, after watching his team earn a 3-1 win against Blackburn Rovers yesterday, has sought clarification about the present situation at Anfield.

“It was a surprise to read about some meetings,” said the Spaniard. “I need to talk with the board and clarify the situation. I want to do that as soon as possible.

“I want to clarify everything. I was surprised with some meetings with other managers. I was surprised with the people that were in the meeting.

“I feel my position is being undermined by it. That is why I want to clarify the situation.

“I need to speak to all of the people. They were in a meeting together, so I need to know something more.

“I will ask some questions about the meeting (before Christmas).”

Benitez’s private criticism of Parry over transfer dealings entered the public domain last week when Hicks leaked a letter demanding the chief executive be sacked.

While co-owner Gillett instantly came out in support of Parry and refused to sanction the dismissal, Benitez elected to keep his counsel with Liverpool cancelling their usual pre-match media conference last Friday.

But the fact it now appears Parry was also involved in the meeting with Klinsmann has seemingly set Benitez in agreement with Hicks over the chief executive’s future.

“It’s not the first time I knew about the meeting, but was the first time I knew about the people that were in the meeting,” said the manager.

“I will not talk about any specific owner, I want to talk with everyone, preferably at the same time, to clarify the situation.

“It was a meeting with some people I did not know about. I need to resolve questions, and I tell you I want some answers. I am really calm, but I want answers.”

Hicks had said yesterday: “When the Klinsmann story broke, I didn't hear Rick Parry or George Gillett say that they were the ones that set up the Klinsmann meeting.

“Rick, George and Foster Gillett participated with my son, Tom Jr, and me in the meeting. Rick allowed all of the controversy to build without taking any responsibility.”

Representatives of both Hicks and Klinsmann yesterday dismissed another claim that the German was still being consulted over transfers, despite the fact he will take over at Bayern Munich in the summer.

Liverpool’s players made light of the maelstrom behind the scenes by strengthening their grip on fourth place and the final Champions League qualification berth.

Second-half goals from Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Andriy Voronin rendered Roque Santa Cruz’s injury-time volley a mere consolation.

Benitez’s side are now five points clear of nearest rivals Everton with four games remaining.

And the Anfield manager said: “For me, it’s more important to stop all the talking and concentrate on the games.

“We are professionals and we know we need to be focused on the football. We will try to do this.

“The situation is not getting to the players, though. They are ready for winning more games, they know we need to finish in the top four and go forward if we can in the Champions League. We must stay focused on the football.”