Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is confident that manager Rafa Benitez is staying with the Reds next season, slamming reports of a possible return to Spain. The former Valencia coach has been subject to speculation of taking over as Real Madrid manager from the unsettled Fabio Capello, but Hicks is sure that the Spaniard has his own motives to remain at Anfield. "Rafa is not going anywhere. He's under contract and he told me that his wife has said that if he ever did go, he'd have to go without her because she's staying in Liverpool," Hicks told the Daily Mirror. The American tycoon also stated Liverpool's reasons to keep Rafa for a longer spell.
Gerrard "He's staying in Liverpool too because he's the man we want. He is a fresh thinker. He's not afraid to try new things and I think that's probably good in the UK." Hicks also confirmed that the club will make sure the club's key players will stay with the Reds. "I can't see Steven Gerrard or Jamie Carragher playing for any team other than Liverpool," Hicks added. "The manager is getting ready to, or has started, that process of keeping them on long contracts. Absolutely, we want those guys to stay."
