Rafael Benitez: sell Fernando Torres and I will quit Liverpool

Rafael Benítez reassured Liverpool supporters last night that he would never sanction the sale of Fernando Torres to pay part of the club’s debt.

Asked whether an offer of £100 million or more would tempt Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr to sell their superstar striker, the Liverpool manager smiled and said: "It won’t happen. I’d quit."

In a wide-ranging interview with The Times — his first with a British national newspaper — Benítez strenuously defended his record in the transfer market, but admitted that he had taken gambles and made mistakes.

Manager and chief executive may face a difficult transfer window, with the priority being to lower the wage bill. Three or four players may head out of the Anfield exit door, with none of the cash heading back to Benítez, but there will be no civil war behind the scenes. "We are progressing," he said. "I’m happy and want to do the best for this club."

This was published in Times Online.

We at SportsFootballSports.com wonder if case is not that Benitez will have to leave anyway?

With all the problems Liverpool are facing all eyes are on Benítez. Liverpool are close to falling out of the Champions League. If this happens we think Benítez is in real trouble. Next few weeks are crucial for them all: Liverpool, Benítez and Torres