Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has hit out at claims he has demanded a massive pay rise in negotiations over a new contract.
The Anfield chief, in Holland preparing his side for Tuesday's final Champions League group D match with PSV Eindhoven, is furious that his contract extension talks are being depicted as money-orientated.
Benitez claims he instructed his agent, holding talks with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over a new deal to replace his current contract which runs out in 18 months, not to talk about money first.
Benitez initially wanted to explain about Robbie Keane's future and insisted the Irishman would not be sold in the next transfer window.
But his own future at Anfield has become the main talking point following claims that contract talks have stalled over cash demands.
Benitez, however, said: "I was surprised by what I read. Surprised that I have seen that I was demanding more money. That is not true.
"I told my agent when he went into the talks to not talk about money, the question was about the length of the contract, and after that it was my role. The last question was about the money.
"So when you see things said (about money), it means people are either not telling the truth or that people have very bad information or they want to create a mess.
"I was very disappointed with this. I say again, it is not true. I was not asking for anything, just telling my advisors to go to the meeting and hear what they (the owners) want. The owners were talking about an extension.
"Again I say, people have very bad information. Hopefully it will be resolved sooner rather than later, but I do not know when.
"I was pleased with the first meeting, and more so in the second meeting, that was better. Again I am very clear, people are trying to create a mess and I do not know why."
Initial claims were that the owners are prepared to only offer a two-year extension, with Benitez clearly wanting more.
He said: "We are talking about more (years) now, and we are happy with the talks."
Benitez will put aside his contract talks to try to claim top spot in group D, which will assure a home second leg in the first knock-out stage after Christmas.
But Keane's future, following claims that he could be sold in January, was made clear by Benitez.
He said: "Robbie's future is to be ready, to score goals and to work for the team.
"In football we know we have signed a good player, you cannot guarantee anyone's position. In some games he has to work hard.
"The challenge is there for him. When you sign a player for a lot of money, that is it. He becomes another player in the squad and he has to fight for his position.
"I do not know whether his confidence has been affected, we will see tomorrow.
"Clearly he has to show character, and show you are a good player. When we decide to sign him we knew he was a good player.
"I do not need to talk too much on this. A lot of top clubs have very expensive players, they have four of them on the bench every week.
"He has to know he needs to fight and work hard. But he has a future here, why not?"
Benitez added: "I have a lot of patience, with everybody. He will be here after the January window, it is not my idea to sell him.
"We are always working with the players, explaining and clarifying what they need to do for the team. Robbie is no different."
Benitez will make changes for the PSV clash, with Brazilian youngster Lucas expected to start the match, despite criticism from fans in recent weeks.
Lucas was booed by the Anfield fans during the recent home game with Fulham, and Benitez said: "Lucas is a clever player with character.
"And he can look at the fact that we are top of the table (in England) and he has been a part of that.
"I do not like to hear my players booed by our own fans, we want to progress together towards our goals. Lucas has explained that the fans are anxious because of our position and the desire to win the league and I can understand that."
The Brazilian midfielder said: "It has been a difficult time for me, particularly in the Fulham game.
"I know I have to improve my performances, but we are top of the league and qualified for the next stage in Europe.
"But I understand the fans, they are anxious and want to see us win, it has been a very long time since Liverpool won the title, and I want to help them end that wait."
The Anfield chief, in Holland preparing his side for Tuesday's final Champions League group D match with PSV Eindhoven, is furious that his contract extension talks are being depicted as money-orientated.
Benitez claims he instructed his agent, holding talks with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over a new deal to replace his current contract which runs out in 18 months, not to talk about money first.
Benitez initially wanted to explain about Robbie Keane's future and insisted the Irishman would not be sold in the next transfer window.
But his own future at Anfield has become the main talking point following claims that contract talks have stalled over cash demands.
Benitez, however, said: "I was surprised by what I read. Surprised that I have seen that I was demanding more money. That is not true.
"I told my agent when he went into the talks to not talk about money, the question was about the length of the contract, and after that it was my role. The last question was about the money.
"So when you see things said (about money), it means people are either not telling the truth or that people have very bad information or they want to create a mess.
"I was very disappointed with this. I say again, it is not true. I was not asking for anything, just telling my advisors to go to the meeting and hear what they (the owners) want. The owners were talking about an extension.
"Again I say, people have very bad information. Hopefully it will be resolved sooner rather than later, but I do not know when.
"I was pleased with the first meeting, and more so in the second meeting, that was better. Again I am very clear, people are trying to create a mess and I do not know why."
Initial claims were that the owners are prepared to only offer a two-year extension, with Benitez clearly wanting more.
He said: "We are talking about more (years) now, and we are happy with the talks."
Benitez will put aside his contract talks to try to claim top spot in group D, which will assure a home second leg in the first knock-out stage after Christmas.
But Keane's future, following claims that he could be sold in January, was made clear by Benitez.
He said: "Robbie's future is to be ready, to score goals and to work for the team.
"In football we know we have signed a good player, you cannot guarantee anyone's position. In some games he has to work hard.
"The challenge is there for him. When you sign a player for a lot of money, that is it. He becomes another player in the squad and he has to fight for his position.
"I do not know whether his confidence has been affected, we will see tomorrow.
"Clearly he has to show character, and show you are a good player. When we decide to sign him we knew he was a good player.
"I do not need to talk too much on this. A lot of top clubs have very expensive players, they have four of them on the bench every week.
"He has to know he needs to fight and work hard. But he has a future here, why not?"
Benitez added: "I have a lot of patience, with everybody. He will be here after the January window, it is not my idea to sell him.
"We are always working with the players, explaining and clarifying what they need to do for the team. Robbie is no different."
Benitez will make changes for the PSV clash, with Brazilian youngster Lucas expected to start the match, despite criticism from fans in recent weeks.
Lucas was booed by the Anfield fans during the recent home game with Fulham, and Benitez said: "Lucas is a clever player with character.
"And he can look at the fact that we are top of the table (in England) and he has been a part of that.
"I do not like to hear my players booed by our own fans, we want to progress together towards our goals. Lucas has explained that the fans are anxious because of our position and the desire to win the league and I can understand that."
The Brazilian midfielder said: "It has been a difficult time for me, particularly in the Fulham game.
"I know I have to improve my performances, but we are top of the league and qualified for the next stage in Europe.
"But I understand the fans, they are anxious and want to see us win, it has been a very long time since Liverpool won the title, and I want to help them end that wait."
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