Rafa Admits Off-Field Spat Is Affecting Players Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has admitted for the first time that the ‘Klinsmann-saga’ has affected

Co-owner Tom Hicks made the startling revelation earlier this month that he, and partner George Gillett, had approached Jurgen Klinsmann about replacing Benitez if the Spaniard left or was sacked in the near-future.

The relationship between the American duo and Benitez had started to deteriorate towards the end of November, when the Reds boss failed to secure funding and support from the owners for his plans in bringing in players during the January transfer window.

Since then Liverpool have stuttered on the pitch, so much so that they now sit 12 points off their title rivals.

But Benitez pointed to the highly publicised and controversial revelations made by the owners as a major factor behind Liverpool’s recent stumble in the league.

"You cannot say that things off the pitch do not affect people, it is really difficult," said Benitez.

"It has been going on for a couple of months, and all you hear on TV, radio and see in the papers is this situation."

Although Liverpool’s title chances have been severely affected, the tactician refused to concede the title race outright, insisting that his team will continue to concentrate on each game as it comes – starting on Aston Villa this Monday.

"We will fight to be as close as possible to the top of the table. I am not thinking about fourth position as a target. We will try to finish higher. How high I don't know, but we will aim higher."

"Now I am thinking about Aston Villa. I know the newspapers, the radio and other media are focusing on things off the pitch but I want to talk about Aston Villa and prefer to talk just about the game," he said.

"For a manager to win games is the most important thing. The other day against Luton everyone was really happy after the game and we will try to do the same against Aston Villa.

"It will be different because they are a good team with good strikers and they play well on the counter attack so we know it will be difficult but we will try to win."

Admitting that at this moment in time Liverpool seem closer to being in a fight for fourth position rather than genuinely competing in a title-race, Benitez emphasised how the strength of the teams around the club have significantly improved, effectively making a title push very difficult.

"There are two or three teams who are very close," he said.

"We have one game in hand that I do not want to forget. But they are having a good season and at this moment, they have a lot of confidence and we will try to do our best because we know it will be difficult."