BENITEZ QUASHES GERRARD EXIT RUMOURS
Rafael Benitez has taken the unusual step of commenting on a Sunday newspaper story suggesting Gerrard is leaving Anfield.
The revelations in the Sunday Mirror suggested that Benitez was ready to sell his captain to Madrid, and that Benitez and Gerrard are not the greatest of pals, having had heated exchanges and that Gerrard is unhappy with his playing position.
Benitez was adamant: "It's clear I will not be selling my captain.
"It is always a surprise to see such things that are not true.
"This week we have been talking with Steven. I feel he is really focused on the club and our idea is see him scoring goals for us for many years."
Benitez explained: "We spoke and he was okay. We were talking about his daughter and how she is as well as team issues and how we can give the team more confidence."
And the Liverpool boss felt Gerrard's performance in Saturday's 3-1 win over Aston Villa showed he is settled and back to his best.
"Against Villa he worked really hard, so to see this the following day is a surprise. It is disappointing that this is all that people can think of.
"Is Steven unhappy? You only needed to see him on Saturday to know the truth. During the game he was happy - and afterwards too. Everybody enjoyed the day."
Benitez also insisted he is close to his captain, despite reports that Gerrard is unhappy with his role on the right of midfield.
The former Valencia boss said: "I have not had just 'a word' with Steven, we talk many times, every day.
"He is my captain and we talk all the time, sometimes for a long time. To say anything else is crazy.
"I do not have any intention of selling my captain.
"We are only thinking of Tuesday's game against Bordeaux and qualifying for the next stage of the Champions League."
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