Rafa uncertainty overshadows derbies

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 has turned down a new contract after the owners refused his demands for complete control of transfers.

Co-owner Tom Hicks is trying to smooth over the cracks, but the timing of the row could not be worse - Liverpool face two derby matches with Everton, in the league on Monday and then in the FA Cup next weekend.

The results could determine the success or failure of their season, with Manchester United poised to take over at the top of the Premier League.

Hicks however has promised the Spaniard would be with the club for years to come.

He said: "I will be working with Rafa to get this resolved - and I am just not worried about it at all. Rafa is going to be coach of Liverpool for the next five years, and we will work through all this.

"Rafa has been frustrated for a long time at the length of time it has taken certain things to happen. We understand that and are committed to working with him. We can fix it - and we will. Rafa wants to be the manager and will be the manager."

But unless Hicks and co-owner George Gillett cave in to his demands then Benitez could walk away - just as he did at previous club Valencia over exactly the same dispute.

Benitez is still furious the club failed to secure Gareth Barry from Aston Villa in the summer after they refused to match Villa's asking price.

Club insiders say as a result the Spaniard is demanding the sort of control over spending, wages and terms and conditions that would make him the most powerful manager in the world - considerably more powerful even than the control Sir Alex Ferguson exerts at Manchester United.