Liverpool boss curious as to why he still doesn’t have a new contract: What’s taking Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum so long?
by offsidetrap on October 8th, 2008
| 392 words |
Buoyed by a fantastic start to the Premier League season, Liverpoolboss Rafa Benitez currently finds himself with a strong managerial footing, the likes of which he hasn’t had since the 2006 FA Cup Final. That seems to be the good news. The bad news for Benitez is that the current ownership still doesn’t seem to recognise his accomplishments. Why else would they be slow-rolling the goateed-one about a new contract?
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Rafael Benítez is still waiting to be approached by Liverpool’s American owners over a new contract, nine months after Tom Hicks revealed his intention to extend the Spaniard’s stay at Anfield.
Despite overseeing an impressive start to the Premier League campaign - the side lie second to Chelsea on goal difference - and progressing to the lucrative group phase of the Champions League for the fifth time in five seasons as Liverpool manager, Benítez has received no word on a contract extension.
The issue did not arise when the Liverpool manager met George Gillett, Hicks’ co-owner, before and after the league victory over Manchester United at Anfield last month and there are no plans in place to open negotiations.
Benítez’s deal expires at the end of next season and while that offers ample time to negotiate a new contract for the 48-year-old, who wishes to extend his Anfield reign, the delay is a further illustration of the impasse which exists among the Liverpool hierarchy and the uncertainty that it brings to long-term planning at the club. Although Hicks wants to offer the manager at least a 12-month extension, he cannot do so without the agreement of Gillett or acquiring majority control of Liverpool. The Texan has neither at present. (The Guardian)
Much like their inept style in managing the day-to-day finances at a top football club, George Gillett and Tom Hicks appear to be dropping the ball once again on locking their fantastic coach up for years to come. Little has been said about a new contract, meaning that a showdown could still be in the cards if Liverpool continue their fantastic play. When a coach of Rafa’s class expresses his desire to stay at a club, you jump at the words and offer him a deal. Why doesn’t the current ownership seem to understand this?
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Tagged Under: liverpool fc, Premier League
Tom - October 8th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I think G&H are trying to sell the club.
Nick Reddyoff - October 8th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Lets get a bit of perspective shall we - yes we might hate them and think they’re a bunch of cowboys, but Liverpool isn’t their sole priority. They also own many other Businesses and Sports Franchises and I’m sure that they’ll think Rafa’s contract can wait a few months when he’s still got 18 months left on it!!!
What’s the problem of them waiting until the end of the season, take stock then and see if we still want him. You never know, we might end up 5th and then everyone would be saying ‘why did we sign him on a 5 year contract earlier in the season, we should have waited so we don’t have to pay out £xx million in compensation’.
YSB - October 8th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Yeah, he’s been working in Liverpool long enough now. Time to sign on like a local.
Mikey - October 8th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Let’s hope they do sell the club in Feb when their time is up with the loans - it may be a case of banks factoring in their unpopularity in the decision when to re-finance.
But at the end of the day, the lack of movement just shows their pure ignorance and stupidity when it comes to football. Football ain’t like Hockey, Baseball and the like. It works differently. You can’t just have someone turn up, motivate the players and hope that works……. by the way, how is Klinsmann doing?????
Tommy Livebird - October 8th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
The bottom line is Liverpool need new owner. Over the years Gillets and Hicks cause too much uncertainty to the club. Liverpool dont need to be like Chealsea or Man City. When owner step in and spend ridiculous amount of money on any players they like. Look at Shevchenko how he turn out to be for Chealsea. If he remain at AC milan. I truely believe he would be a legend. Ofcourse Rafa will get his new contract. His achievments speak for itself. Let say new owner step in and take Liverpool on. I still believe Rafa would be the man for the job and i am so sure he can make the most out the opportunity. He is doing just that right now!
Donavan Ried - October 8th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Nick Reddyoff - October 8th, 2008 at 12:10 pm ……… Football has become a business now like it or not Hicks and Gillette did not buy Liverpool becuase they love football they brough Liverpool becuase they saw a chance to market Liverpool fc all over the world and to make money,Making money for the club in the meantime….. Things have not worked out the way that they planed…. Forget their public show of solidarity, these two are still very much at war with one another….. I think you are very much on a sound footing here with your comments Nick Reddyoff…..
YSB - October 8th, 2008 at 12:49 pm ……. Y (you) S (sonofa) B (Bitch)…..Theres nothing wrong in my eyes with anyone from Liverpool…. 2-1