Benitez backed by owner

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Spaniard's position has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks after Hicks admitted he and fellow American co-owner George Gillett had held discussions with former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann as an "insurance policy" after their relationship became strained.

"Rafa has a contract for two more years. He will be here for at least the length of it and hopefully longer than that," said Hicks.

"He has our full support. Rafa has shown his strong intent to do the right thing with us about the club.

"He has been a gentleman and we have had much better communication. He has my total backing. I have made that very clear."

Benitez also seemed to be struggling at one stage to reach agreement with the owners over the club's transfer strategy in the January window, but Hicks insists the manager has the board's full support to pursue whomever he sees fit.

Asked if he would endorse a proposal from Benitez to sign Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano, Hicks told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme: "Absolutely. We have never turned down Rafa's request for money for any player he has asked for.

"We have funded his transfer request in January and are already having conversations about things in the summer."

On reports of a fall-out with Gillett, Hicks added: "George and I get along fine. Sometimes we do not agree but that is what business partners are all about."