Rafa seeking perfection
by Alex Livie, 06 January 2008
Rafa Benitez has admitted Liverpool are lagging behind Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the financial stakes, but claims his commitment to the cause is unwavering.
A Premier League title challenge seems destined to end in failure and there has been speculation that the Spaniard will look to move on.
Ahead of Liverpool’s meeting with Luton in the FA Cup on Sunday, reports in sections of the press have suggested Benitez is close to the sack.
Benitez has admitted his side have to perform close to perfection to keep tabs on the big three, but it would appear he is still focused on the task at hand.
"I don't want to say we can't compete with the other three or that they are now the big three, until we get the new stadium, but it will be difficult," he is quoted as saying in the Sunday Telegraph.
"We need to do everything nearly perfectly if we want to compete with them. We are working together to improve the team this season and next season. But United's stadium is massive and they can buy one or two top-class players every year with the extra money they have."
Benitez’s relationship with the club’s owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks is believed to be strained, but the Spaniard claims he is not looking to jump ship.
"I have two more years on my contract and I am very happy here," he said. "My commitment to the club and the supporters is 100 percent. You cannot control the other teams, but at least you know you have an idea and you are going in the right direction."