| RAFA ON CONTRACT, AGGER AND EVERTON
Rafa Benitez was quizzed about Everton, kidney operations, his contract and the transfer speculation surrounding Jermaine Pennant and Daniel Agger at his weekly press conference on Saturday morning. Here's what he had to say.
Journalist: Firstly Rafa, you've had another operation this week - how are you?
Benitez: Much better - getting better.
Will you be okay for Monday?
[Smiles] Yes, I think so. I will not play but I think I will be okay.
You revealed on Friday that you've rejected your new contract. What were the reasons?
I think I was very clear. I told the owners and then I explained why in the Echo. Now I can tell you that I already have an agreement with one club - Liverpool Football Club - for one and a half years. We have finished the conversations about the contract for now and we can talk about Everton.
Is your argument with the owners?
I will talk about Everton - I don't have any problem with the owners.
Is this resolvable though, Rafa?
The game against Everton? For sure.
But Liverpool fans are concerned...
I will talk just about Everton.
So has your build-up to Everton been affected by all this?
No, I don't think so. Yesterday we had a day off. We don't have any problems. I've talked with my staff and we're preparing for the game as always.
How much influence will Everton have on the title race, because they play yourselves, Manchester United and Arsenal over the next couple of weeks?
All the teams we play against are good. Everton are in form, they are playing well, winning games and not conceding goals. It will be important for us to play well and beat them. It will be difficult.
Do you feel you have an advantage, with the game being at Anfield?
Yes, always.
Why is that?
Our fans are the best in the world. They will be behind the team, supporting the team. Maybe if we don't play at our level they will be disappointed, but they know that the way to win titles is to stay behind the team.
Can I just ask you about the transfer news regarding Jermaine Pennant and Daniel Agger?
Pennant - we have agreed with Portsmouth. We are waiting for news but I think it will be okay. I think he'll say yes and everything will be sorted. Daniel Agger - I had a conversation with him two days ago. He wants to stay. He isn't thinking about money - he's thinking about staying. In our last conversation he told me he was waiting for our phone call. I can guarantee that his commitment to the club is 100 per cent and he still wants to stay.
So is the AC Milan deal off?
We were not talking with AC Milan. I talked with his agent before and they are waiting for us. The player is really happy with us. He knows we have a strong team and he wants to stay.
Moving on slightly - £100million for a player. How will that affect the top four?
It will be more difficult to sign players if the prices go too high but we're not thinking about signing any players right now so, for this month at least, it's okay.
Okay, finally from me, can you just assure Liverpool fans that you'll be here for a long time?
Clearly I will be here, as long as I don't have any problems in the hospital! I will be here against Everton and hopefully for a lot of years.
How much do you look forward to these games against Everton?
It's always something different when you play against Everton. The atmosphere in the stadium is always really good. The fans can enjoy - especially if we win. Hopefully we can do this and it will be a fantastic game. If we do win, normally that would give more confidence to the team.
Have you learned more about the derbies as you've spent more time in the city?
Yes, clearly - every single year. You get to understand the reason for the rivalry and why each team wants to win. Hopefully we can win.
Will you be watching the Man Utd game today to see the result?
I will know the result because you (journalists) will tell me!
But it won't affect you or the players?
No. It's important to understand when people talk about your position in the table that you don't win the title in August or January. You need to keep calm and know that if you want to win the title it will be in May. To have Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa and United in the title race at this stage is normal.
When you walked in you had a big smile on your face and you were buoyant. Is this a big weekend for you - are you looking forward to it?
Yes, I have a lot of confidence in my team, I am really happy here and, touch wood, I don't have to go to the hospital again.
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