Liverpool coach Benitez maintains unhappy silence over top boss’s comments

Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez is maintaining an unhappy silence over club co-owner George Gillett's latest outburst.

American Gillett told a Reds fan group that any failures on the pitch are down to Benitez, rather than himself and partner Tom Hicks.

According to The Sun, Benitez refused to react publicly, but was said to be less than happy at the club airing its dirty linen in full view once again.

An Anfield source said: "He's not saying anything but it's safe to say he wasn't exactly delighted about what's been said."

Anfield top brass are maintaining their silence over Gillett's comments but are fully behind the boss.

They insist Benitez's relationship with managing director Christian Purslow - the man appointed by the Americans - is as strong as ever.

Liverpool travel to Sunderland, face Lyon in a must-win Champions League clash and then have an Anfield showdown with Manchester United.