Parry backs Benitez

Amidst rumours that Rafa Benitez will face the sack if Liverpool fail to win the Premiership, Rick Parry has moved to back the Spaniard and insisted he has the full backing of owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Parry insists that Benitez has the full backing of the owners and he is under no pressure to win the Premiership this season.

He said in the Daily Star Sunday: "Rafa has got our complete backing. He is as committed as the rest of us are to winning trophies.

"We are entirely happy with the way things are going and the direction we are taking. Long may that continue.

"The board not interfering with the manager on playing issues will continue with the new owners. That's the only way to run this club.

"We're hoping the title is closer. The last thing I'm going to do is put extra pressure on Rafa. But we believe we've a better squad now than in recent years."