Hicks gives Benitez belated backing

LESS than a month after revealing that he had spoken to Jurgen Klinsmann about the possibility of replacing Rafa Benitez as the Liverpool manager, Tom Hicks, the controversial Texan co-owner of the club, claims that Benitez now has his unqualified backing and will remain in place at Anfield for the remainder of his contract at the very least.

While Liverpool continue to be caught in a maelstrom of uncertainty, both on and off the pitch, the future of Benitez has proven to be a crucial issue for those supporters determined to drive Hicks and his joint-owner George Gillett out of Anfield.

Benitez’s public defiance of his employers two months ago was followed by blunt censure from Hicks and the phrase ‘dead-man walking’ has never appeared more appropriate than when used in relation to Benitez’s situation at Liverpool.