LIVERPOOL, England: Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has demanded showdown talks with the club's warring American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett following weekend revelations.
It has been claimed by Hicks that Anfield chief executive Rick Parry played a part in attempts to offer the Spaniard's job to Jurgen Klinsmann.
Benitez, speaking after Liverpool's 3-1 victory against Blackburn Rovers at Anfield on Sunday, claimed he felt "undermined" by Hicks' allegations in several British Sunday newspapers, which related to talks with former Germany striker and manager Klinsmann in California in November.
Hicks last week called for Parry to resign as chief executive as the bitter boardroom war at Anfield escalated.
And the chances of Liverpool's co-owners, Benitez and Parry all being involved at Anfield come the start of next season appear slim judging by the manager's latest comments.
"It was a surprise to read about some meetings (with Klinsmann)," Benitez said. "I need to talk with the board and clarify the situation and I want to do that as soon as possible.
"I was surprised with the people that were in the meeting," the Spanish boss added. "It's not the first time I knew about the meeting, but about the people that were in the meeting. I feel my position is being undermined by it and that is why I want to clarify the situation.
"I need to speak to all of them, preferably all at the same time. They were in a meeting together, so I need to know something more. I will ask some questions. I will talk about the meeting (before Christmas) and clarify it.
"It's important to stop all the talking and concentrate on the games. We are professionals and we know we need to be focused on the football.
"We will try to do this," the former Valencia manager, who has again led Liverpool into the semifinals of the Champions League, added.
"The situation is not getting to the players, though. They know we need to finish in the top four and go forward in the Champions League. We must stay focused on the football."
Source: China Daily/Agencies
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