Benitez and Parry hold brief talks as Anfield rows continue to rumble on

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The futures of Rafael Benitez and Rick Parry remain in doubt after the two held a brief meeting prior to Tuesday's Hillsborough memorial service.

Benitez was furious when co-owner Tom Hicks revealed Parry was present at a meeting with Jurgen Klinsmann, a possible replacement for the Liverpool manager. Hicks has demanded the resignation of Parry but George Gillett, Hicks' feuding business partner, has backed the chief executive.

Great divide: Rick Parry and Rafael Benitez separated by past Liverpool directors Terry Smith (second left) and Les Wheatley at the Hillsborough memorial service

Benitez and Parry discussed the situation in private before the Anfield service on the 19th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy, which cost 96 Liverpool fans their lives. They sat a few seats apart at the service. Neither man commented.

Benitez, who led the first-team squad at the service, said: 'This is obviously an important day of the year for everybody connected with our club. We must take time to remember those who lost their lives at Hillsborough. We must give them our support and show that we are thinking of them.'

Hicks is certain to stir up more controversy today when he gives an interview to Sky TV.

Meanwhile, Bolton manager Gary Megson has urged Benitez to pick his best side to face Bolton's rivals Fulham and Birmingham. Benitez was criticised, particularly by Sheffield United's then manager Neil Warnock, when he rested players last May and lost 1-0 to relegation-haunted Fulham.

Liverpool travel to Fulham again on Saturday and visit Birmingham seven days later. Megson said: 'Liverpool are going to have a massive say in which teams go down. We would hope that Rafa Benitez will retain the integrity of the Premier League with his squad selection.'

 

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