[lfc-news] Benitez is quick to rule out talk of rift - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 11 July 2005
Benitez is quick to rule out talk of rift
By David Prior, Daily Post Staff

RAFAEL BENITEZ has sought to draw a line under the Steven Gerrard
transfer saga by dismissing talk of a rift with his captain.

Gerrard ended a turbulent week on Merseyside in triumphant style,
hoisting the European Cup once again prior to Liverpool's 4-3 friendly
win over Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground.

In the wake of his extraordinary U-turn last week, the 25-year-old had
admitted his relationship with Benitez "could be better" and there was
also talk of training ground bust-ups and heated discussions between the
pair.

Benitez has now rubbished those claims, however, although he has
admitted he will be looking to improve relations with Gerrard now the
midfielder's long-term future is finally resolved.

"They were lying," the manager said of the bust-up speculation. "They
were trying to find a problem between him, me and the club.

"When the newspapers claimed we were fighting on the training pitch, I
was actually in my office.

"The relationship between us is good and if it is possible now we will
try to make it better. When the captain says he wants to go, then as a
manager you try and resolve the situation.

"As a manager you try to work with your players, so if you have a player
as good as Gerrard why would I want to fight with him?

Benitez firmly believes the uncertainty surrounding Gerrard is now over.

He added: "Now my relationship with Steven is good - with my wife it is
better!

"We have always talked together, but when people are talking about his
future, it is difficult to talk with him about that. Now we only need to
talk about football.

"After talking with him and analysing the situation, I think the
uncertainty is now over. He is happy."

Antonio Nunez's short career at Merseyside looks to be at an end,
meanwhile, after he was left out of Saturday's opening match of the
pre-season.

The 26-year-old has been linked with La Liga side Celta Vigo and Benitez
confirmed on Saturday he was willing to let the midfielder go at the
right price.

"It depends on the offer," said Benitez. "Vigo are one of the clubs that
have been mentioned and we are trying to find a solution because he is a
top-class player."

Benitez hopes to bring in three or four new players before the transfer
window closes next month, but whether Luis Figo will be one of them is
still unclear.

Speaking about the former world player of the year, Benitez said: "We
have some possibilities and Figo is one of them. We'll have to wait and see.

"We have possibilities and Figo and Peter Crouch are two of them. I'm
happy with the squad but we're trying to bring in some more players."

New Anfield midfielder Mark Gonzalez is hoping to impress, saying:
"People call me the South American Beckham because of the way I cross
the ball."

Both Real Zaragoza's Gabriel Milito and Chelsea's William Gallas remain
targets for Benitez, who is keen to provide more depth in central defence.

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