RAFA BENITEZ has warned Liverpool’s title rivals off his unsettled assistant, Pako Ayesteran.
Benitez’s long-time number two has declared his intention to quit Anfield – and the Reds have placed Ayesteran on extended ‘gardening leave.’
But with speculation mounting that both Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring the situation, Benitez has issued a clear hands-off warning.
“His contract is very clear,” said the Reds boss. “When you talk about this level (of football) you cannot move from one side to another with all the information you have. The contract is clear about that.
“We don’t need to work too hard on these issues because the contract is clear. I don’t know the exact situation right now because the lawyers are working with it. But we already have people working here and everything is okay.”
Benitez reiterated his decision not to enlist a new coach to replace Ayesteran.
“We already have Alec Miller, Paco De Miguel the new fitness coach, Xavi Valero and Dave McDonough,” he added. “They are the same people that we had before. Instead of one person doing the job we have three or four doing it. Everything is fine.”
Despite his words, Benitez remains bitterly disappointed by the decision of his right-hand man to leave, and also the timing of the announcement.
Ayesteran told Benitez of his feelings on the day of the Champions League second leg against Toulouse.
Benitez’s long-time number two has declared his intention to quit Anfield – and the Reds have placed Ayesteran on extended ‘gardening leave.’
But with speculation mounting that both Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring the situation, Benitez has issued a clear hands-off warning.
“His contract is very clear,” said the Reds boss. “When you talk about this level (of football) you cannot move from one side to another with all the information you have. The contract is clear about that.
“We don’t need to work too hard on these issues because the contract is clear. I don’t know the exact situation right now because the lawyers are working with it. But we already have people working here and everything is okay.”
Benitez reiterated his decision not to enlist a new coach to replace Ayesteran.
“We already have Alec Miller, Paco De Miguel the new fitness coach, Xavi Valero and Dave McDonough,” he added. “They are the same people that we had before. Instead of one person doing the job we have three or four doing it. Everything is fine.”
Despite his words, Benitez remains bitterly disappointed by the decision of his right-hand man to leave, and also the timing of the announcement.
Ayesteran told Benitez of his feelings on the day of the Champions League second leg against Toulouse.
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