Benitez has “positive” talks with owners

RAFAEL BENITEZ held “positive” talks with Liverpool’s co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett last night, despite seeing his side slip further behind in the Premier League title race.

The meeting was arranged following a dispute between the Spaniard and his employers over the club’s approach to the January transfer window.

Benitez was frustrated at what he saw as an unnecessary delay over the pursuit of new players and claimed the American duo did not understand the European transfer market.

But a statement issued by Liverpool last night confirmed: “A meeting was held this evening involving Tom Hicks, George Gillett, Foster Gillett, Rick Parry and Rafa Benitez which was wide-ranging and positive.

“The discussions were amicable and constructive. All those present are united in their desire to bring further success to the club.”

Earlier, Benitez had been in defiant mood after watching Liverpool’s ambitions suffer a huge setback after losing to bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield.

Carlos Tevez’s 43rd-minute goal sent United nine points clear of Liverpool in the table after Benitez’s side suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time this season.

Benitez was clearly despondent afterwards. He had desperately wanted a victory to bulwark his position ahead of his meeting with Gillett and Hicks, with his position under threat if Liverpool fail to deliver a major trophy this season.

Even so, Benitez refused to concede defeat in the Premier League, even though his side - who face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup on Wednesday - are lagging behind in the table.

“It’s too soon to say we can’t win the title,” said Benitez. “For me there is still a long way to go. It will be harder clearly.

“But this season I think all the big teams will drop points.”

United manager Alex Ferguson insisted his Manchester United players had an “outstanding” chance of retaining the title they won last season. He believes his side are entering the crucial Christmas period looking like champions.

“It is going to be a long hard fight, right throughout the season,” said Ferguson.

“But I have always said that if we get to December and be top or just about there will be an outstanding chance of retaining the title.”

This was Ferguson’s 23rd victory in 50 meetings with Liverpool and the United boss labelled his latest success as “marvellous”.

“It’s a good result and a good team performance,” he added. “It’s a marvellous day for us. We had to show our discipline, but in terms of playing football we were the better team.

“I said before the game that the matches between the top sides are going to be important this season and that was an important win for us.”

That much was evident in the jubilant reaction of United’s players to the final whistle, charging over to their travelling contingent, buoyed by the knowledge they had passed one of their most exacting tests of the season with flying colours.

“Anfield is a hard place to come, they defend very well and there is pressure all over the park,” Rio Ferdinand said. “You can tell from the reaction of the lads - it’s a great feeling to come to Anfield and win.”

United’s good humour was enhanced by hearing Cristiano Ronaldo pledge his long-term future to the club. The Portuguese is the subject of continual interest from Real Madrid but he told the Spanish sports daily Marca: “Real Madrid are a great club but I insist that I am very happy at Manchester United.”