Football Liverpool: Alonso asks to leave

Football Liverpool: Alonso asks to leave as Anfield's dirty washing goes public

In the latest development in the ongoing transfer sagas at Anfield, Xabi Alonso has asked to leave Liverpool, reportedly requesting to be sold to AC Milan or Arsenal, fearing his football will be limited if he stays at Liverpool.

The continual wrangling amongst the Liverpool management team is set to plunge their football season into turmoil before it has even begun. The Parry Benitez relationship is clearly becoming untenable, with something going to have to give sooner or later, and from the demeanour of Benitez, he clearly doesn't believe it will be him.

Xabi Alonso asking to leave Liverpool is only the latest twist to a sorry football saga that has gone on since April, and one that has left two top quality footballers at clubs they'd rather leave. Throughout it all Benitez appears a remarkably calm football manager, and ever confident he will get his man in Gareth Barry.

It has to be said though, 18 & 16 million for either footballer is too expensive. A good 3 million of the price for each would be a much more reasonable deal, and you can see how Benitez is getting exasperated with Rick Parry - refusing to pay 18 million for the player above Carrick and Hargreaves in the England midfield, and demanding a similar fee for the player the club wants Barry to replace!

Liverpool's fans will be concerned that all the boardroom wrangling that seemed to have settled, has again burst to the surface threatening to derail not just the football season, but Liverpool Football club itself.

Benitez set to leave

Benitez set to leave as Rafa reopens old wounds?

Rafa Benitez could well again be on the brink of leaving Liverpool after laying the blame for the Gareth Barry/ Xabi Alonso fiasco squarely at the door of Rick Parry.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Sunderland game, a clearly Benitez exasperated Benitez stated he has had no involvement with any talks on either player since April. It was noted however that he softened his tone, saying the talks between the clubs had been 'good'.

Benitez is clearly not happy again with Rick Parry, who he has blamed in the past for scuppering a number of deals at the last minute. Whether this incurs the wrath of the American owners, after last seasons near fatal outburst remains to be seen, with the difference this time being that his target is clearly Rick Parry.

We can only hope (being Liverpool fans!), that Rafa Benitez is not set to leave Liverpool and that it all somehow settles down. It must be said however that Liverpool's season again seems set to be one of boardroom turmoil!

Football News: Torres to Chelsea

Torres to Chelsea reports of a 50 million pound bid

Fernando Torres

According to reports Chelsea are set to launch an astonishing 50 million pound bid for Fernando Torres. Torres is allegedly one of the players identified by Avram Grant before his departure, and Chelsea are set to pursue Torres despite being managerless.

Giving it the 'insiders' line, the papers are saying Liverpool may sell to fund the squad rebuilding, and to allow Hicks to take complete control. Safe to say there would be one hell of a public order problem on Merseyside if the club agreed to this. There'd be meeeerrrrddder!

Footy Focus really can't see this as anything other than fantasy. No one in their right mind would sell Fernando Torres to Chelsea. Even Hicks whose financial model depends on success on the pitch, wouldn't countenance such a deal. Would he....?

Fernando Torres to Chelsea, not a chance!

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Football Transfer Time!: Liverpool News

Football Transfer time as Liverpool aim for early news

Rafael Benitez is aiming to get off to a flyer now its football transfer time. The early movers have long been touted in the papers, but where it really gets interesting is beyond that.

Kewell, Crouch, Riise, Pennant, Alonso and Carson are all gone or very likely to be going. Football's worst kept secret of the much touted transfer to Liverpool of Gareth Barry is likely soon to come to it's inevitable conclusion. The transfer of Swiss right-back Phillip Sendgren is also a done deal.

After that it becomes a bit murky on who Benitez is after. David Bentley seems a certain transfer target, though as he's English he won't come cheap. Another mentioned in dispatches, that won't be the glamour winger the Liverpool fans are seeking, is Wigans Ecuadorian Valencia.

Other football big names for transfer that have been mentioned are Joaquin, from Spain, Daniel Alves (again!), and David Villa. Also now Newcastle's James Milner, and as usual Michael Owen are being mentioned as potention transfer targets.

Seems to us it all depends on how the Board room battle goes. Benitez has obviously been given a big enough kitty to his liking, despite the Board room wars. Also he's got some decent football players to sell, with the above mentioned likely to raise in the region of 35 million plus in transfer fees. That plus a 20 mill kitty gives him a cool 55 million to spend! That should easy get him Barry (10 mill), David Villa (25 mill), and Bentley (15 mill)!

Football transfer time is always an interesting time of year. Lets hope Rafa pulls another Torres out of the hat this year!

Barcelona want Liverpool's Benitez

Barca making eyes at Rafa as Rijkaard is eased to the door?

Reports are surfacing in the media of Barcelona wanting Rafa Benitez to replace Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona. Apparently the board is split, some wanting Jose Mourinho, while an increasing number would like Liverpool's Rafa Benitez.

It all seems a bit fanciful, and is tabloid column filler, on the back of the takeover uncertainty at Liverpool. If Rafa is to leave Liverpool in the summer, it seems more likely he will be pushed, and given his mixed record, its unlikely someone like Barcelona will be in for him.

Like Liverpool and Mourinho, his future is far from clear, but the destination of Barcelona to us seems unlikley. Watch out for it on the Liverpool Echo or Post website - if it's on there then the story has legs!

Premier League: West Ham 1-0 Liverpool

Yet more ammo for the Texan's gun as Liverpool take a Hammer blow

Time is surely running out on Rafa Benitez's reign at Liverpool. Liverpool's Premier League season has almost completely unravelled, and seems in a tailspin of toothless football, low confidence and alarming signs of a team that, subconsiously at least, believes it's manager is a lame duck.

This game was oh so typical of Liverpool's form of late. All neat football with precious little end product. To a man, Liverpool's attack was nigh on anonymous. Kewell and Benayoun went missing in action, while Torres and Gerrard only showed flashes, with the latter in particular looking dangerous in the last twenty minutes. Dirk Kuyt was what he always was; an ineffective workaholic. What Peter Crouch must do to get a game is beyond all but Benitez.

Liverpool started the game reasonably well, but were giving the ball away in the last third too much, and yet again failed to convert the half chances that came their way. Benayoun tried an ambitous lob, when a driven shot would have been better, and Torres was almost put through by Kuyt. West Ham recovered from their slow start, to force an error from Steve Finnan, as he headed onto his own bar. Boa Morte then missed the first of three great chances, and the sides went in level at half time.

Liverpool again came out brightly, with Harry Kewell just unable to connect at the far post from a cross, and Torres unlucky not to convert from substitute Babels pull-back. Lucas, the other substitute, was also unlucky with a great effort, after some great inter-play with Steven Gerrard.

However West Ham were still threatening Liverpool from set pieces, and were the last 20 minutes apart, very much in the game, with Boa Morte missing two great chances. As the game seemed certain to end in a draw Ljungberg broke from one end to the other. One twist inside the otherwise excellent Jamie Carragher, and it was disaster for Liverpool. Noble stepped up to dispatch the penalty with great aplomb.

Overall, it was a disasterous night for Liverpool and Rafa Benitez, who must feel his grip on Anfield weakening with every game, as Liverpool's agony in the Premier League goes on. Having said that, only three defeats in the league by February and the second best defensive record shows there's a great team in their trying to get out. Stability is a by-word for success, which tells you much about Liverpool's season.

Liverpool in Turmoil

Once a by-word for stability Liverpool's season is rapidly becoming a farce

The wheels have come off big-time on Liverpool's season, and for a club of Liverpool's traditions it must be heart-breaking for the fans.

Sami Hyppia has compared them to Newcastle, which we reckon is a message from the players to the club to get it sorted and quick. All the uncertainty surrounding the manager, is clearly affecting the team and it's performances. Liverpool are a top four side, but playing with all the panache and confidence of managerless Newcastle.

Whats desperately missing is clear leadership from the American owners. They're struggling to refinance their debt, there are rumours of DIC returning to bid for the club again, and the constant speculation around Rafael Benitez has led to unprecedented headlines for a Liverpool manager. Can you ever recall a Liverpool manager having 'dead man walking' headlines. The nearest was the Gerard Houllier, Martin O'Neill saga, which as it turned out was all in Gerard's head. Liverpool desperately need to get back to the long term stability which has characterised their approach to running the club over the years.

The odds on Liverpool rescuing their season must be against them now. There has been too much speculation regarding Rafael Benitez for that to be repaired and the players know it. They are playing like they are subconsciously waiting for the next manager. However loyal they are to Rafa they can't help looking past him, given all the speculation.

It all must be desperately depressing for the likes of Carragher and Gerrard, who are entering the autumn of their careers and have devoted themselves to their beloved Liverpool.

Klinsmann offered Liverpool Job

More turmoil for Rafa as Bayern claim to have pipped Liverpool to Klinsmann

Rafa Benitez long-term future at Liverpool was again called into question today, as Bayern Munich claimed to have beaten Liverpool to the German's signature. Klinsmann himself stated he recieved no offers from the Premier League, however high level sources at Bayern are adament there was a detailed offer on the table for Klinsmann to sign, which he rejected to sign in at Bayern.

Liverpool refused to comment when this story was put to them, which is at odds with their reaction to the recent Fabio Capello link.

Benitez himself, gave a solid defence of his record today as this story broke, however as stated previously on Footy Focus, we believe the decision has been made and Rafa is a goner at seasons end. Having said that we are so glad it won't be Klinsmann in charge!

Rafa Benitez Liverpool Latest

Benitez trys to save his skin

The Liverpool Echo is producing some quotes from Rafael Benitez, which appear to be aimed as much at the Americans, as the fans. Rafa is again quoted as saying how much he loves the club etc, and that the 'dead man walking' stories are a complete misrepresentation of him. Tellingly, he does admit the comments come from a private conversation he had with journalists about ten days ago, which he maintains has been completely distorted in the press.

The Echo is also reporting, that the managers position is almost certain to be discussed when Rick Parry shortly arrives in America to discuss the position of the new stadium development.

Given the Echo is widely held to be both the voice of the club and manager, it seems Benitez is trying to back track from ]off the record' comments made to journalists and the owners are making it very clear that he is still likely to be replaced. I can only see this leading to one thing - Benitez is on his way, either in a mid-season dust-up as the speculation makes his position untenable a la' Mourinho at Chelsea, or more likely in the time honoured Liverpool fashion of keeping things as stable as possible, with a summer exit.

It all depends on the whether the speculation makes the latter impossible but Footy Focus believes the decision has already been made.

Rafa Benitez Liverpool Latest

Rafa continues his dead man walking tactic.

The saga of Rafael Benitez and Liverpool's American owners took a new turn this weekend. Reports have surfaced and continue to do so of Benitez expecting the sack. It's widely expected he will stay at Anfield to the end of the season at least, however if these stories are eminating from the Benitez camp, as they appear to be, this will just add to the bullets already loaded in the American's gun.

Counter reports are surfacing of Jose Mourinho 'being keen' on the Liverpool job, and of the Americans being impressed with Jurgen Klinsmann as a replacement. Further speculation has it that Benitez won't recieve the full amount of 6 million if he is dismissed, with Liverpool being sure to dispute it and of the view they are not bound to pay it.

As I've said before, it is fast becoming a season of death by a thousand cuts for Rafael Benitez. He seems to have happily adopted the 'dead man walking' approach as a retalitory tactic this weekend and this seems set to further antagnonise the American owners, George Gillet and Tom Hicks.

More worryingly is the consistent reports of Jurgen Klinsmann as a replacement. One mediocre World Cup campaign for Germany aside, he has no management experience at all. At the World Cup Germany had home advantage, and beat such world masters as Poland and Ecuador. Even the defeat of Argentina was only on penalties. Klinsmann smacks of a knee-jerk, glory appointment that Liverpool always avoid.

Martin O'Neill would be a much better appointment and if Liverpool don't get him Manchester United may well do.

Time up for Rafael Benitez at Liverpool?

Benitez a dead man walking as Mourinho is linked with Liverpool

The pressure just keeps building for Rafael Benitez at Premier League challenger wannabes Liverpool.

With Liverpool's title hopes dead and buried, out the Carling Cup, and facing a tricky FA Cup away tie at Luton, Benitez is under additional pressure from speculation of Jose Mourinho being sounded out about the Anfield job. All this constant rumour about Benitez's position is in danger of making it a season of death by a thousand cuts for the Spaniard. Liverpool's season is in rapid danger of unravelling in a squalid tale of spat and counter spat, as the stories of his relationship with the Liverpool Board just won't go away.

You have to hand it to Rafa though. He's either very brave, or completely mad, as for this must win tie at Luton he's preparing to usher in his latest round of rotations and rest key players. Gerrard, Mascherano, and Torres are all to be rested or are out injured. In addition, Arbeloa and Aurelio are definite absentees having picked up knocks in the home draw against Wigan.

Its' looking more and more likely that someone else will be Liverpool manager come the summer, and Benitez appears to know it. Coming out against Liverpool owners was always only the thing to do from a position of strength - eight Premier League games later and only three wins, the title challenge over and Rafa's looking done for.

Premier League News & Results - Liverpool 1-1 Wigan

Benitez gives Yanks loaded gun as Reds fire blanks again

The pressure mounted further on Rafael Benitez as his stuttering Liverpool side stumbled to a draw at home to Wigan. Hopes of a Premier League title seem laughable for Liverpool, and a more realistic proposition is the struggle for fourth place, as Manchester City continue a great season under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Liverpool started brightly enough, but again didn't quite convince, as they struggled to breakdown a newly resolute Wigan. Steve Bruce's team seemed to be winning every vital tackle and interception as Liverpool tried to prise a way through. Michael Brown in particular was a thorn in the side of Liverpool, as he continually broke up attacks and very nearly opened the scoring with the best effort of the first half.

In the second half Liverpool got an early goal and it was one Fernando Torres deserved for his constant efforts against a stubborn Wigan defence. Torres and Gerrard combined to put Finnan in behind the Wigan defence, and he squared for Torres to finish. Gerrard very nearly put the game beyond doubt with a great free-kick, and followed up on the rebound which Kirkland smothered. The goal seemed to settle Liverpool and there was no real sign of an equaliser until disaster struck in the 79th minute.

Gerrard cleared poorly from inside his own penalty area, the ball cannoned off Mascherano to Bramble, who belied his comic status to finish superbly from the edge of the box.

Rafael Benitez was as animated as he's ever been on the Liverpool touchline and soon threw on Crouch and Kuyt in a desperate attempt to force a winner, however it was not to be. The result really leaves Liverpool's outside hope of a Premier League title looking dead and buried, and will greatly increase the pressure on Rafael Benitez and his relationship with the club's American owners.

Pressure building on Benitez, as Mascherano warns time is running out

Javier Mascherano warns time is limited for a deal to be struck to keep him at Liverpool

In what would be a massive blow to Rafael Benitez and one which could make his relationship with Liverpool's American owners untenable, Javier Mascherano has stated that time is running out for Liverpool to conclude a deal to keep him at Anfield. The Liverpool Echo is carrying an 'emotional plea' from him, again stating his desire to stay and that it's upto Tom Hicks and George Gillett to decide if they want him. The player insists he wants to stay but that the expiry of his loan contract in June means that he maybe forced to look elsewhere to ensure his future is secure. Its' well known that Barcelona are waiting and watching, hoping to snatch the player from Liverpool.

If Mascherano is allowed to leave it will cause an uproar amongst Liverpool fans, however these latest words from the player could be construed as being designed to put pressure on the Americans, something which they will not take kindly to. That said Liverpool would be absolutely crazy to let a player of his calibre go and you would think that funds could easily be raised by offloading a couple of players.

Rafa's Miscalculation

The news of Liverpool's alledged tapping up of Fabio Capello made me wonder whether Rafa Benitez has made a major miscalculation in his dealings with the Americans. From thinking he was dealing from a position of strength it appears the opposite.

The Americans while giving him the benefit of the doubt may actually have harboured some doubts to his ability. Not that they don't think he is a good coach, but they appear to doubt whether he is the absolutely world class coach capable of delivering the success their investment requires. Remembering Rafa was brought to Liverpool as a coach who could compete with the top clubs on lesser resources. The Yanks view seems to be that to release top drawer cash they want to be sure they've got a top draw coach. It seems to me Rafa has misjudged the American culture and the way the Americans do business. They are ruthless in business as you have to be and this is all about ensuring their investment makes a return. Rafa has unfortunately added to their doubts by painting himself as a troublemaker.

This news of Capello plus the other noises ruminating out of Anfield (there were reports this week that Rafa's long term future is in doubt) make it all an unsettling time to be a Liverpool fan.

In reality if Rafa is moved out at the end of the season there may well be some protest and noise but if a replacement similar to Capello is announced then the Yanks can ride through it. Also at the end of the day if Liverpool are winning protests at any change of management will not last for long.

All in all Rafa Benitez's position is still very precarious in the long term. I suspect only unprecedented success will save him and by that I mean a Premiership this season!

Marseille 0-4 Liverpool

What can you say? This was as Rafa said the 'almost perfect' performance. From Reina at the back to Torres upfront Liverpool to a man were superb.

From the off Liverpool clearly wanted this more than Marseille and set about them immediately from the kick-off. Four minutes in and some great inter-play from Torres and Kuyt sent Gerrard bearing down on goal. One dodgy challenge later and Liverpool had the start they dreamed off. It nearly wasn't though, with Gerrard only scoring after Mandana saved the initial penalty.

Torres then was slid in by Kewell and boy did he finish! He ghosted into the area past the Marseille defenders like they weren't there and finished with a wonderful curled shot past Mandana. From then on Marseille weren't in it. Kuyt added a third early in the second half from Kewell's pass, and substitute Ryan Babel added a fourth in stoppage time to seal Liverpool's best away win in the Champions League.

In the second half Liverpool understandably didn't attack as much but comfortably held out Marseille. Eric Gerets brought on Nasri the French young player of the year and ex-Liverpool favourite Djibril Cisse but with no real impact. Cisse sent a header onto the post and wide, but that was about it.

Kuyt was having one of his best Liverpool games, while Benayoun also caught the eye. Gerrard was at his barnstorming best while Marseille just couldn't cope with Torres. Kewell in the first half especially looked outstanding. At the back Carragher and Hypia were their usual rock solid 'selves while Arbeloa was consistent as per usual.

Benitez said after the game he was proud of this Liverpool team and you can understand why after such a performance in such a high pressure game. He's not one to show much emotion during a game but the cameras caught him beaming as walked off the pitch! You can understand why!!

Marseille vs Liverpool

A big week for Liverpool just gets bigger after the defeat at Reading. The next two games against Marseille in the European Champions League and against Manchester United in the Premier League are now absolutely massive games, two real finals in a row. Benitez's summit with his American masters at Anfield on Saturday after Liverpool's game against Manchester United will be especially prickly if (god forbid) failure at Reading is followed up with failure in these two key games

Liverpool fans will have been groaning in frustration after the defeat at Reading, with the dreaded 'r' word of rotation rearing its ugly head again. Benitez is certainly his own man with a strange selection leaving him open to criticism after the defeat. Playing Voronin wide right was at best strange and selecting a midfield with no pace, width or unpredictability was asking for trouble. Its easy in hindsight but most Liverpool fans would have been questioning the team the moment they knew the line-up. Surely one of Kewell, Lucas, Benayoun or Babel could have played to give some pace, creativity or flair.

And so to tonights massive Champions League game. Liverpool due to the strange UEFA rules realistically have to win tonight. The only way a draw will be good enough is if Beskitas pull off a surprise and beat Porto. Liverpool will have an unchanged squad from which to pick from against Marseille. Agger though nearly fit, Alonso and Pennant are all still absent. Marseille have Samir Nasri back in the squad while former Liverpool players Djibril Cisse and Boudewijn Zenden are also set to feature.

Reading apart Liverpool have been building up to some great form of late. Benitez seems to have abandoned his alarming idea of resting Fernando Torres, Harry Kewell is edging back to fitness, the rotation has dropped off and suddenly Liverpool are beginning to look the part again. Liverpool fans can only hope Reading was a rotation inspired blip with Benitez having one eye on this Marseille game.

My hoped for Liverpool team: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hypia, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Mascherano, Gerrard, Kewell, Torres, Crouch but I'm not holding my breath!

Reading 3-1 Liverpool: Rafa Strikes Again

Liverpool fans (me included!) will be groaning yet again after this completely self inflicted defeat. The dreaded 'r' word of rotation will be cropping up yet again and I'm sure the Liverpool fans collective groan at the team selection could be heard up and down the country as Rafa Benitez couldn't resist reverting back to his tinkerman approach.

Liverpool started the game reasonably well showing the confidence of their recent winning run but didn't really threaten Reading. Reading then got a controversial penalty when Jamie Carragher was adjudged to have fouled Gunnarsson inside the box. It was arguably the first of three or four big decisions the referee got wrong. Shortly after Liverpool equalised through Gerrard after Torres superbly took down Reina's clearance to play him in.

Liverpool were now looking reasonably comfortable and early in the second half looked set to go on and win the game. However they were still not really creating clear chances and lacked penetration and width from midfield. They were made to pay for not converting their pressure to a goal when Doyle got a faint touch to Shorey's free kick to give Reading the lead. Torres was denied what looked a clear penalty and then missed a half chance with a diving header. Shortly after Liverpool were given a mountain to climb when Harper outpaced Riise and took the ball round Reina to put Reading 3-1 ahead. Gerrard hit the bar with a superb strike but Benitez then added to his collection of strange selection decisions by taking off his skipper Gerrard with 20 minutes to go. Kewell and Crouch (twice) both went close but Liverpool ultimately couldn't get back into the game.

All in all you were left with the feeling that if Rafa Benitez had selected a slightly more balanced, stronger team then Liverpool would have won. To start with Crouch up front and a midfield that had no width or pace to put anything on his head was baffling to say the least.

EPL Saturdays Games - Reading vs Liverpool

Rafael Benitez is at last starting to say what we Liverpool fans have all hoped for. He is to play Torres for the second games in a row against Reading! In a must win game for the Premier League hopefuls Liverpool's manager appeared to hint today that Fernando Torres will start against Reading despite the Marseilles game being only three days later and the six-pointer against Manchester United being the weekend after.

This season is turning out like the 2005/06 season for Liverpool to some extent. Then they started with a miserable 3 wins out of 8, found the midfield four of Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko and Kewell and promptly launched into title winning form. Rafa now appears to be finding the blend except this time they are in a much healthier position in terms of Premier League points.

Liverpool's Manager really is an enigma at times. He has the best win rate since Bob Paisley at 60% yet you always feel that but for a little less rotation his teams could get that little bit nearer the Premier League the Liverpool fans crave.

My best eleven is: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger (when fit) Arbeloa, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Kewell, Torres, Babel

For Saturday Liverpool are still without Alonso, Pennant, Aurelio and Agger. Reading meanwhile are still without Michael Duberry and Glenn Little.

I'd bank on a Liverpool win for this one. Reading have picked up clean sheet in 12 and have only got one point from the last 12. I'm not saying the will go down but they really are relegation fodder for the likes of Liverpool. My prediction - a comfortable Liverpool win providing Rafa doesn't come up with the selection from hell!!

Liverpool 4-1 Porto - Liverpool Ease To Victory

Liverpool ultimately had too much for Porto and won with ease by the games end. It was not all Liverpool's way though with Lofrinda Lopez equalising Fernando Torres headed opener and a resolute Porto side often comfortably holding on until the 78th minute.

Porto's equaliser dented Liverpool's confidence and they rapidly lost their way with the game descending into a stale frustrating affair. Benayoun, Torres and Gerrard were catching the eye for Liverpool while Voronin and Babel looked neat in their play but weren't creating anything of note. Babel in particular was simply not going past people and looked short on confidence at times.

The second half began like the first ended with an increasingly anxious Liverpool running out of ideas. The introduction of Crouch and Kewell ultimately won Liverpool the match with the Portuguese holding out until the 78th minute. Kewell picked the ball up in his own half, ran at the Porto backline and threaded the ball through to Torres who turned his man, held off a challenge and finished superbly into the far corner.

After that Liverpool ran out easy winners with a handball from Stepanov giving Steven Gerrard the chance to seal the win from the spot. Peter Crouch added a late late fourth from a Gerrard corner.

Benitez will be feeling a relieved and happy man after Liverpool flirted with disaster for long periods of this game. He will also have been buoyed by the 5,000 strong protest before the game by fans angry at speculation the clubs American owners were to sack him.

The group is now incredibly tight with Besikta's victory meaning that all four teams have a chance of going through.

Rafa Benitez latest

Its been a another busy day on the Rafa Benitez front. Reports from such luminary writers as the Mirror report half the team will walk out if Rafa is pushed. Others suggest the whole row has built up out of nothing more than Rafa's paranoia (Tribal Football & the Daily Mail).

Slightly worrying are the reports that the Javier Mascherano deal is now on hold due to the uncertainty. If this is the case then this really needs to be sorted as soon as possible. Letting him go to another club when all he wants to do to Liverpool would be criminal. The Liverpool Echo is reporting that he is now happy to bide his time and see how the Rafa situation pans out before committing.

Meanwhile Arsene Wenger has backed Rafa and given a thinly veiled attack on the American owners all but accusing them of not knowing enough about what it takes to get success in football.

Seems to me the whole situation is delicately balanced and the Lord only knows how it will pan out. Given Benitez's continued public carping the odds would seem to be in favour of him getting the boot, however this must be counterbalanced by his peace offering, the payoff required, the rebuilding that would be required and the massive discontent from players and fans if he goes.

I have a gut feel that he will be there until the end of the season with an uneasy peace settling on Anfield. As for after that I suspect Rafa could be out.