Benitez demands end to rifts

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The Reds boss, aware he is in a position of great strength while the current ownership battle rages on, warned his paymasters of the dangers of missing out on their summer transfer targets.

Benitez said: "We have two owners and a chief executive. I need to progress, I have a responsibility as manager to prepare the squad for the future, to improve the squad."

In what was an important meeting with co-owner Tom Hicks and his director son Tom Jnr at the club's Melwood training complex on Wednesday, Benitez wasted no time in outlining what is needed if the club are to progress on the field.

Hicks' fellow owner, George Gillett, has also been made fully aware of the manager's position.

Benitez knows that in the current climate, neither Hicks nor Gillett will dare risk losing his support.

"I had to talk to them (the owners). It was a good, positive meeting. We have talked about targets in the transfer market and how this club must progress," added the Reds boss.

"I have not spoken to them about the ongoing situation, only how to improve and how to progress.

"It is important to sign the right players for the future, that was what I wanted to talk about.

"Now we have started to progress with some of our targets. It is okay, last week and this week it is the same. We are progressing so I believe we will be stronger next season. You need to keep going if you want to improve, that is what is really important."