Baffled Benitez pleads with Gerrard
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-05 15:48

Stunned Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez pointed to the Champions League trophy and four new signings and told Steven Gerrard to keep his side of their bargain by committing his future to Anfield.

Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard is shown celebrating beating Olympiakos Piraeus in a Champions League Group A soccer match at Anfield in Liverpool in this December 8, 2004 file photo. Chelsea have made a British record 32 million pounds ($56.28 million) bid for Gerrard, British newspapers reported on Tuesday, 5 July, 2005. [Reuters]

Reds officials have been amazed by weekend reports highlighting the strength of Gerrard's resentment over the current contract impasse, claiming they have no idea what has triggered their captain's anger.

After learning Gerrard's agent Struan Marshall had publicly confirmed negotiations had stalled and were 'unlikely to re-open', Benitez, backed by chief executive Rick Parry, went on the counter offensive - highlighting the three previous failed attempts to open negotiations with Gerrard, Benitez stated his assertion that Liverpool had delivered on their promises.

So, with a major trophy in the bag and his squad already strengthened and improved, Benitez will now attempt a salvage operation aimed at staving off the attentions of Real Madrid and Chelsea by keeping the England midfielder at Anfield for life.

"Three times last season we tried to talk with Steven about a new deal and each time he said we needed to wait," said Benitez.

"We spoke about trophies; we won the Champions League. We spoke about improving the team; we have signed the best goalkeeper in Spain, Middlesbrough's best player and the best player in Chile, so we are improving the team.

"I can assure all fans we want Steve to stay with us next season and maybe all his life. In the future, if I decide to leave, I can see him as assistant manager, chief scout or even the manager. We want him to stay and will try until the end."

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