As expected, Rafa Benitez has issued a form of denial to the story we published here last Friday. He began by telling me yesterday that: 'I am not thinking of leaving' - which is different from denying that he had thought about it a week ago - and later, in the press conference post Sunderland, he used similar language to publically affirm his current commitment to the club.
However, Rafa DID think about leaving the club - probably in a rush of blood - but subsequently decided against it. Whatever the case, it is time to move on and consider the bigger picture: there is a situation at Anfield involving differences between key figures at the club and it is a situation that needs to be resolved.
Sources at the club suggest that the manager should not feel the need to participate in transfer negotiations and that this is one of the root causes of the problem: because Benitez' believes his position to be the opposite, and sees it as an integral part of his job, particularly if he is able to help the club reduce the fee and to eventually get the player he wants.
Meanwhile, key players at Liverpool feel disappointed that the beginning of the season has been marred by new conflicts within the club. Yet they should understand that this mini civil war was inevitable: the board again wants to consign Rafa Benitez to his place as a coach, while Rafa feels he is being undermined in his wish to sign the players that he believes can improve the side. I have the impression that Rafa sees this conflict as a personal thing, while, on the other hand, Rick Parry thinks he is doing a fine job as go-between between the owners and the manager.
Although the tensions have been present for many months, as has been publicised in the past, the failed transfer of Xabi Alonso and the Gareth Barry saga has made the situation worse.
Some sources at Liverpool say there was never a bid from Juventus for Xabi Alonso - others would tell you that there was a meeting, at Melwood, where Juve offered around £12 million for the player. Arsenal also offered £12 million. The player was told, by the board that, for that figure, he could go. However, Rafa then decided that this was not enough money: after all, if Barry costs £18 million, then who was going to understand Xabi being sold for just £12 million. Needless to say, for £18 million, Xabi Alonso could go to the London club.
Arsenal have not since returned with an improved, solid, offer for Alonso. However, Xabi knows that the manager wants to sell him and that if he stays he will have to spend time watching games from the stands: not an ideal situation for a player of Xabi Alonso's pedigree, and a last minute offer from a big club (neither Barcelona or Real Madrid have asked about him) would at least offer him a satisfactory way out.
And what about Gareth Barry? Many feel the delay in sorting this transfer out is a sign that Rick Parry is blocking it. What is true is that it was both of the club's owners who decided against the signing. Parry may then argue that their decision has nothing to do with him, but Benitez would probably think that the coach should be the only one taking football decisions, and therefore the one explaining to the owners directly what he wants, not through somebody else
Some people say that the situation at Anfield has reached a point of no return. I predict something else: football is a results based business after all, and if Liverpool can manage to get four or five early season victories under their belt, then the tensions will be swept under the carpet. Everybody can then focus their energies upon what can become a very good season at Anfield: with the realistic aim of achieving a top two Premiership finish.
