RAFAEL BENITEZ has revealed for the first time the extent of the financial restraints he is forced to work within at Liverpool – but remains convinced he can guide the team to a top-four finish this season.
And the Anfield manager has dismissed the notion the club are on the brink of meltdown following their Champions League exit and the huge debts imposed on them by co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.
The American duo, who will be present when Liverpool entertain Arsenal tomorrow, have been told by the banks to reduce the level of their arrears.
It has meant Benitez has had to balance the books in the transfer market as he attempts to keep pace with his big-spending rivals at the top of the Premier League.
And while eschewing any fears Liverpool could capitulate in a manner similar to that of Leeds United earlier in the decade, the Spaniard acknowledges there will be short-term pain before the benefits of long-term gain are reaped.
“I don’t see Liverpool in the same way as Leeds,†said Benitez. “One of the priorities this year was to reduce the debt so the club is working very hard to do this so I think that our position will be much better.
“We were doing a very good job this year trying to reduce the debt. It was one of the most important things that we had to manage. Along with football issues we had to manage them together, you have to think about the big picture sometimes.
“When I signed my five-year contract we knew that we had to work together so we will try to do the best for the club. Sometimes you can do it and still perform on the pitch and sometimes you have to wait a little bit.
“Liverpool is a top side and everyone is expecting every single year to win trophies, trophies, trophies. The reality is that we have to work very hard to be at the same level as the other teams.â€
While the public revelations could be construed as an attack on Liverpool’s American owners, Benitez believes the supporters must accept the reality of the club’s financial situation.
The manager is again unlikely to be given any funds during the forthcoming January transfer window, with any transfers being facilitated by the departure of current squad members.
Benitez said: “Can we do something in January? We will see but we are working hard, we are working together but you cannot guarantee anything.
Full Article : http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/12/12/supporters-have-to-accept-liverpool-fc-s-financial-situation-rafael-benitez-92534-25374760/?
So depressing.
And the Anfield manager has dismissed the notion the club are on the brink of meltdown following their Champions League exit and the huge debts imposed on them by co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.
The American duo, who will be present when Liverpool entertain Arsenal tomorrow, have been told by the banks to reduce the level of their arrears.
It has meant Benitez has had to balance the books in the transfer market as he attempts to keep pace with his big-spending rivals at the top of the Premier League.
And while eschewing any fears Liverpool could capitulate in a manner similar to that of Leeds United earlier in the decade, the Spaniard acknowledges there will be short-term pain before the benefits of long-term gain are reaped.
“I don’t see Liverpool in the same way as Leeds,†said Benitez. “One of the priorities this year was to reduce the debt so the club is working very hard to do this so I think that our position will be much better.
“We were doing a very good job this year trying to reduce the debt. It was one of the most important things that we had to manage. Along with football issues we had to manage them together, you have to think about the big picture sometimes.
“When I signed my five-year contract we knew that we had to work together so we will try to do the best for the club. Sometimes you can do it and still perform on the pitch and sometimes you have to wait a little bit.
“Liverpool is a top side and everyone is expecting every single year to win trophies, trophies, trophies. The reality is that we have to work very hard to be at the same level as the other teams.â€
While the public revelations could be construed as an attack on Liverpool’s American owners, Benitez believes the supporters must accept the reality of the club’s financial situation.
The manager is again unlikely to be given any funds during the forthcoming January transfer window, with any transfers being facilitated by the departure of current squad members.
Benitez said: “Can we do something in January? We will see but we are working hard, we are working together but you cannot guarantee anything.
Full Article : http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/12/12/supporters-have-to-accept-liverpool-fc-s-financial-situation-rafael-benitez-92534-25374760/?
So depressing.
