[lfc-news] Rafa delighted with double deal - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 8 July 2005
RAFA DELIGHTED WITH DOUBLE DEAL
By Paul Eaton

Rafael Benitez today spoke of his delight after securing the services of
both Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher on four year deals.

Both players signed their new contracts at Melwood on Friday afternoon,
ensuring the Reds ended a difficult week on a high note with two of
their most key players committing their futures to Anfield.

"I'm delighted both deals have been signed," said Benitez at Melwood
today. They are two very good players who will have a big part to play
in our future here.

"We have a lot of good players here but it's always important to have
local boys and in Stevie and Carra we have two players who have come
from the Academy. I am really happy with everyone in my squad but to
have these two players who have said they will be here for many years
makes the situation a lot better.

"All through last season I spoke highly of Carragher because he has
exactly the right attitude you need to win games.

"He loves this club and it's always important to have players with this
kind of passion. As a manager you want as many players like Carra as
possible.

"We need to keep working hard with him to make him improve even more. He
can be even better this season. He's clever tactically but he can
improve further.

"When you think of a leader in the team then you think of players like
Carra. He helps improve the team spirit.

"Of course we're all pleased that Stevie's situation has been resolved.
It was important to finish it as soon as possible and I am sure now that
he will be extremely focused on the games.

"Now that he's signed his contract I am sure he will play better. Last
season he played well but at times, like the team, he was a bit
inconsistent. Now he can be focused on the football and not thinking
about what's in the newspapers. He will play better, for sure.

"He's told me he wants to help the team, his team-mates, the manager and
the club to win trophies. He wants to win trophies with us."

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