“His fitness coach was my fitness coach in the under-18s and the second team. He is my friend.

“If I defend my players, it is because I have to, but we have very good communication.

“Hierro was in the first team when I was assistant at Real and when he was here we had a very good relationship.”

Benitez is hoping Glen Johnson will return to full training within the next week.

The England right-back has been out since tearing the medial ligament in his right knee during the 1-0 victory at Villa Park in December.

“Yossi Benayoun is coming back, Fernando Torres is coming back, hopefully Glen Johnson will come back in the next week,” he added.

“We are now bringing players back and the competition will be better for us and hopefully we can improve. I think we have enough quality.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool Reserves defender Robbie Threlfall has joined Bradford City on loan for a month.

The 21-year-old left-back, who was part of the 2007 FA Youth Cup-winning squad, will go straight into new manager Peter Taylor’s squad for tonight’s clash at League Two leaders Rochdale.

Threlfall has previously also enjoyed successful loan spells with Hereford United and Northampton Town.