Benitez: There is no splitJan 12 2007
Exclusive By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
RAFA BENITEZ has insisted he and his board are at one on how to take Liverpool forward, angrily refuting suggestions of a split in the aftermath of Tuesday's midweek cup exit.
The Anfield boss has launched another ferocious defence of his reign, while praising the club's hierarchy for their ambitious plans to ensure he has the resources required to bring more honours to Merseyside.
Benitez said today: "I'm really disappointed in the way things have been presented and misinterpreted since yesterday morning.
"I have no problem with my board. This club is going in the right direction, and I was brought here to improve our situation.
"We have done this in two years by winning big trophies, winning more Premiership points than we've had for 17 years and bringing in players whose value has doubled.
"Three years ago we had players like Diouf and Cheyrou who we couldn't sell. Look at the value of their replacements compared to he price we paid for them.
"The board brought me to win the Premiership, not to get to the semi-final of the Carling Cup. My relationship with them is fantastic and they have been doing their best for a long time to help bring more success. Rick Parry and the Chairman want the best for Liverpool, as we all do.
"That's why they are talking to new investors and that's why they brought me here. Why are they doing this? To help build a new stadium and to buy top class players in the future.
"Liverpool have been 17 years without winning the Premiership, so tell me what's our main priority?" he added. "Nobody wants to lose.
"It's disappointing we lost, and more disappointing how we lost, but we have to look at our squad and set priorities. We have shown how much we are progressing and people who analyse the whole situation understand.
"The future of Liverpool is not the semi-final of the Carling Cup, it is challenging for the Premiership and Champions League. The Carling Cup is always a good option, but it is not the biggest priority.
"People talked about the team selection because they have no understanding of the whole situation. We need to finish in the top four to qualify for the Champions League and buy more top players. We have Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona to come here soon. Those games are more important.
"We will make mistakes, but when you look at the bigger picture you can see how much progress has been made."
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Argentinian left winger Sebastian Leto, who joins at the end of the season.
The club has completed three deals, with Emiliano Insua and Italian keeper Daniele Padelli joining.
In a hectic few days, the Lucas Neill and Javier Mascherano sagas are close to a successful conclusion after a long chase.
Exclusive By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
RAFA BENITEZ has insisted he and his board are at one on how to take Liverpool forward, angrily refuting suggestions of a split in the aftermath of Tuesday's midweek cup exit.
The Anfield boss has launched another ferocious defence of his reign, while praising the club's hierarchy for their ambitious plans to ensure he has the resources required to bring more honours to Merseyside.
Benitez said today: "I'm really disappointed in the way things have been presented and misinterpreted since yesterday morning.
"I have no problem with my board. This club is going in the right direction, and I was brought here to improve our situation.
"We have done this in two years by winning big trophies, winning more Premiership points than we've had for 17 years and bringing in players whose value has doubled.
"Three years ago we had players like Diouf and Cheyrou who we couldn't sell. Look at the value of their replacements compared to he price we paid for them.
"The board brought me to win the Premiership, not to get to the semi-final of the Carling Cup. My relationship with them is fantastic and they have been doing their best for a long time to help bring more success. Rick Parry and the Chairman want the best for Liverpool, as we all do.
"That's why they are talking to new investors and that's why they brought me here. Why are they doing this? To help build a new stadium and to buy top class players in the future.
"Liverpool have been 17 years without winning the Premiership, so tell me what's our main priority?" he added. "Nobody wants to lose.
"It's disappointing we lost, and more disappointing how we lost, but we have to look at our squad and set priorities. We have shown how much we are progressing and people who analyse the whole situation understand.
"The future of Liverpool is not the semi-final of the Carling Cup, it is challenging for the Premiership and Champions League. The Carling Cup is always a good option, but it is not the biggest priority.
"People talked about the team selection because they have no understanding of the whole situation. We need to finish in the top four to qualify for the Champions League and buy more top players. We have Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona to come here soon. Those games are more important.
"We will make mistakes, but when you look at the bigger picture you can see how much progress has been made."
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Argentinian left winger Sebastian Leto, who joins at the end of the season.
The club has completed three deals, with Emiliano Insua and Italian keeper Daniele Padelli joining.
In a hectic few days, the Lucas Neill and Javier Mascherano sagas are close to a successful conclusion after a long chase.
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