Our very own ginger nut, John Arne Riise, has today spoke-out surrounding the constant speculation surrounding the security of boss Rafa Benitez’s position at the club, by stating that people, the media in particular, should start treating our heroic manager with a little more respect.

“We don’t know what the owners are thinking, but remember Benitez has given this club many trophies.” stated the Norwegian.

“He has won The Champions League, The FA Cup, the Community Shield and the Super Cup and has reached another Champions League final, so he deserves to be treated with more respect. It’s a shame that he has to go through this.

“The most unbelievable things have been written in the press about what is happening behind the scenes at Anfield.

Speaking of the under-hand tactics employed by our new American owners, Hicks in particular, John was very cautious with what he had to say on the matter.

“I don’t know if it is all true, even though Hicks has confirmed that they spoke to Klinsmann. But Rafa Benitez is a fantastic manager for the club.

“The only way we can fight for him is to get good results to make sure that he will have the backing of the board.”