Benitez backed by owner Hicks

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks insists manager Rafael Benitez’s job is safe for the remaining two years of his contract at the very least.

The Spaniard’s position has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks after Hicks admitted he and fellow American co-owner George Gillett had held discussions with former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann as an “insurance policy” after their relationship became strained.