Liverpool chiefs still backing Benitez after 'amicable' talks

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Five hours after his team succumbed to a demoralising 1-0 defeat by Manchester United, the Spaniard emerged from a positive meeting with Liverpool's owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr.

Tensions between board and manager had escalated after Benitez criticised the club's approach to the January transfer window and doubts remain about his long-term future.

But last night, for the first time since Benitez made his comments three weeks ago, Hicks and Gillett gave him some form of public backing.

"A meeting was held this evening involving Tom Hicks, George Gillett, Foster Gillett, Rick Parry and Rafa Benitez which was wide-ranging and positive," the club statement read. "The discussions were amicable and constructive.

All those present are united in their desire to bring further success to the club."

Benitez's concerns centre not only on the amount of money available to strengthen the squad but also the way in which transfer policy is carried out, with the manager unhappy that he must leave all negotiations to chief executive Rick Parry.

But, speaking before the meeting, Benitez said: "We need to clarify the misunderstanding and talk about the future, not whether or not we have the money."

The Anfield boss's problems are not restricted to the boardroom. Despite their morale-boosting 4-0 win against Marseille, which secured passage to the Champions League knockout phase, Liverpool ended a chastening week with their hopes of ending a 17-year championship drought as gloomy as ever.

"Clearly, it will be harder and if we are to get closer, we need to start winning a few games in a row," said Benitez. "But there is still a long way to go. This year all the teams can lose points so I have the same confidence to keep going."

Liverpool paid a heavy price for a failure to pick up first Wayne Rooney, then goalscorer Carlos Tevez, at a Ryan Giggs short corner.

"It is a frustrating defeat because we are very close to United," added Benitez.

"But we made a mistake and we paid for it, the same way we did last year. Against other teams you can get away with it but not against the big teams."