Liverpool FC Forum

inglis5 wrote:http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N162002081107-1049.htm

Rafa Benitez today spoke of his delight after hearing that talks on a new contract are set to begin. 
Co-chairmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett contacted the manager this week to offer congratulations on the team's progress and discuss a new deal.
 
Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I received a phone call from Tom Hicks on behalf of George Gillett also. They are talking about a meeting with my advisors and a contract extension. This is very positive news.
 
"We decided to meet in the next week and now my advisors are in contact with them.
 
"We haven't spoken about the length of the contract but we talked and we all want to find a solution as soon as possible.
 
"For me it's easy. I want to stay here - I am where I want to be. It's very simple.
 
"My family and I know how good the fans have been with us. The club is going forward and we have the new stadium project. There are a lot of positive things.
 
"I want to stay here for a long time. Clearly I would like to be here when the new stadium opens. The other day I was joking that if they offered me a 20-year contract I'd be really pleased."
 
Benitez added: "The team is in a very good position, so if I do not have to talk about my contract from now on it will be perfect.
 
"The last two or three press conferences I have been asked and asked, so the stability is really important.
 
"The owners know we are doing well. The atmosphere is really good, we are at the top of the league and our Champions League group. The team is playing well."
 
Gillett and Hicks are known to be delighted with the team's form so far this term.
 
A statement on behalf of the pair said: "Rafa continues to do a great job, we are really pleased with the progress of the team and we look forward to talking to him and his advisors about extending his contract."

About F*CKING time as well

The_Rock wrote:Another article by that idiot Guillem Balague..


http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores....&id=106


Liverpool: Stability is easier to sell than uncertainty

So, the owners of Liverpool have finally decided to begin talks with Rafa Benitez over a new contract. It’s a subject we’ve discussed on a number of occasions on this website over the last few weeks.

A series of emails have been exchanged between Tom Hicks, who is also acting on behalf of George Gillett, and Rafa Benitez’ representatives. It would appear that the Americans have finally given in to public pressure and have agreed to meet the Spanish coach’s requests that the matter is concluded as quickly as possible.

As Rafa said yesterday “My idea is to do it as soon as possible. I would like to see it signed before the end of the month if that is possible. They have to talk to my agent about the conditions of the deal, but clearly the length of the contract is crucial.”


"Stability is the key to winning trophies and being contenders for the title. They promised me it would be quick.”


As the Liverpool coach indicated, the length of the contract offered is vital, and unless it is to Rafa’s satisfaction it is not a foregone conclusion. The American owners must not be seen to be attempting to be bowing solely to public pressure and looking for a quick fix. It is one thing for the Americans to promise a swift resolution, and another thing to deliver it - and it remains to be seen how committed they are to getting the contract signed, sealed and delivered.

Only when it is concluded can we say that they were not simply trying to silence those questioning why there was any uncertainty over the coach’s long term future.

The timing of this is also interesting. After all, Hicks and Gillett are more than aware that, while they are looking for a buyer for the club, a stable club with a manager planning long term has got more value than one who is worrying about his future.

aCe' wrote:fck me but i heard theyr about to offer benitez 5mill a year which would mean he gets paid more than both Sir Alex and Arsene Wenger... thats absolutely ridiculous if you ask me...

Actually i think we shouldnt be offerin anything until the end of season and certainly offering such stupid money imo means that we'll be very lreluctant to let him go at any point even if its warranted simply because it wouldnt make for good business...

If we absolutely need to offer him a contract now id be looking at a slight pay rie and plenty of bonuses based on performances... no less and no more... hes yet to prove he win us the league or even makeus challengers come the end of the season and i think its too early to be believing we'll win it simply because we'r a few points ahead of ManUtd and level on poits with Chelsea who are clearly eyond doubt favourites for the title this year !