Gillett gives backing to Rafa

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has offered his full support to Rafa Benitez after holding clear the air talks with the Reds boss.

Benitez met with Gillett and co-owner Tom Hicks hours after Liverpool had slumped to defeat to Manchester United on Sunday to discuss the future direction of the club.

The meeting had been planned for a number of weeks after the trio suffered a much publicised bust-up when American-based Gillett and Hicks told Benitez that it was too early to start planning for the January transfer window.

However, Sunday’s meeting has been described by Liverpool as ‘constructive’ and Gillett has now offered his full support to Benitez.

This wasn’t supposed to happen, but it has happened, and now the focus has to be on finding a common platform to continue our co-operation,” Gillett told a meeting of the Liverpool Former Players’ Association when explaining the need for discussions.

“Rafa is the one we want as manager further on, and we have faith in him.

“I’ve been married over 40 years and have first hand knowledge about how to solve an argument.

“We concentrated on getting an overview over the situation, and I felt we accomplished that.”

However, Gillett has hinted that a decision has yet to be made on Liverpool’s transfer policy in the New Year.

“The transfer window opens soon and we might use the option that gives us, or we might not,” he added.

“Liverpool is a great club. We are well aware that we have something very valuable in our hands.”