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Rafael Benitez: 'Steven Gerrard's claims that I didn't like him are wrong'

Rafael Benitez hits back at Steven Gerrard's comments that the Spaniard did not like him "as a person" during their time together at Liverpool.

Rafael Benitez has hit back at Steven Gerrard's claims that the pair did not have a good relationship off the pitch during their time at Liverpool.

The former Reds captain has revealed in his new book My Story that he had no bond with Benitez and that the Spaniard was "emotionless".

The 35-year-old midfielder, who now plays for MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy, added that while he and Benitez worked well together professionally, he believes that his former coach did not like him "as a person".

When asked about the claims during an appearance on Spanish television, Benitez, now the boss of Real Madrid, said: "I have read the quotes and I believe he is wrong.

"Out of the respect that I have for Stevie and for the value and appreciation I have for him, and for Liverpool and the supporters, I think it's best to just let it pass. He has brought out a book and now I'm the Real Madrid manager - that sells."

Gerrard also branded Benitez "stupid" for selling Xabi Alonso during his management at Liverpool, and admitted that he was embarrassed by the Spaniard's 'facts' rant against Manchester United.

Benitez opted against commenting on those claims.

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FBK Kaunas player Mindaugas Pacevicius vies with Liverpool FC player Xabi Alonso at Darius ir Girenas stadium 26 July 2005
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal19116238172139
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford197393335-224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


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