Football: I'LL NEVER SELL STEVE Says RAFA BENITEZ

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Oct 29, 2006 | by SIMON MULLOCK

RAFA BENITEZ has made a promise to Liverpool fans that he will never sell Steven Gerrard.

Controversy continues to rage on Merseyside about Gerrard's loss of form and his relationship with the Anfield boss.

Many critics insist that the Reds' captain needs to be restored to a cental midfield position if he is to return to his brilliant best.

It has even been mooted that Benitez is ready to cash in on the England international, who has previously made two dramatic U-turns when he seemed destined for Chelsea.

But the Spaniard insists that once Liverpool find the consistency that has so far eluded them, all talk about Gerrard's role in the team will be forgotten.

Benitez told Sunday Mirror Sport: "I will never sell Steven Gerrard. The last time we had this question I supported Steve.

"I told him I wanted to see him at Liverpool for a very long time, winning lots of trophies. My ideas on that have not changed.

"He is a great player and I want to build my team around him. I want to win things with Liverpool and I want Steven Gerrard to be a part of that success. He is vital to us.

"I am clear on this. He is key to what I want at Liverpool."

Gerrard has insisted he is happy to follow Benitez's orders when it comes to his role in the Liverpool team.

But his body language on the pitch seems to suggest that he is unhappy with having to play wide on the right to accommodate Xabi Alonso and Momo Sissoko.

Benitez is adamant that he has set his team up to get the best out of the midfielder rather than isolate him.

He added: "We have three very good players in Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Momo Sissoko. I play Steven on the right when I want him to have freedom.

"Last season he scored 23 goals for us because the role on the right also gives him the freedom to come inside.

"If I feel that we have an option which means Steven must play in the centre then I will use it.

"Last season, when we won 11 games in a row, no one was bothered that Steven was playing wide on the right.

"When we won the Champions League, he was basically playing right- back for us. No one criticised or questioned me then.

"The very best players are happy if they are giving something to the team - and I would say that Steven is happy despite what others are trying to suggest."