Benitez rocked by Ayesteran departure

LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez has been rocked by the imminent departure of his right-hand man Paco Ayesteran from Anfield.

His fellow Spaniard and long-term friend had been Benitez’s number two at Tenerife and Valencia before he followed the Reds chief to Merseyside. It is believed that the players were informed of the news on Thursday after training, and it is not expected that Ayesteran will be alongside Benitez in the dug-out for today’s home game with Derby.

Liverpool would not confirm any further details, although Benitez said: “Paco has told me he wants to leave, apart from that I cannot say any more. We will have to assess the situation.”

It is not known whether Ayesteran has been offered another job in Spain or whether he wants to return home for personal reasons.

But the disruption to Benitez’s backroom staff will be massive. Ayesteran has been in charge of fitness coaching, but also handles much of the squad administration.

Ayesteran’s departure comes at the same time as Benitez’s confirmed his decision not to risk skipper Steven Gerrard for today’s match.

Gerrard is recovering from a hairline toe fracture and has missed the last two Liverpool matches and the England friendly with Germany.

Benitez said: “Steven wants to play, he wants to play against Derby as well. But I have had a meeting with him and he understands the risks. We will then all assess the situation as it progresses next week. My concern is that if we or England take risk with him, it could affect his whole season.’’