Benitez denies making claims of superiority over United

Soccer: Rafael Benitez has denied reports claiming he thinks Liverpool are better than Manchester United. THe Anfield boss was quoted today as saying his side are superior to the defending champions and league leaders, and that he is the only one willing to stand up to Alex Ferguson.

Those comments sparked a reaction from United boss Ferguson in his press conference, but Benitez has since denied making them.

"It is not true," Benitez told Sky Sports News. "I did not say this.

"It was a normal conversation with a good journalist and then has been twisted a little bit."

In the interview with his hometown newspaper, ABC, he was quoted as saying: “I’m not having a battle of words with Alex Ferguson. But I believe that he can see that we are the better side, and that we are very close to United. He has been accustomed to playing these types of mind games for many years.

“Nobody has ever said anything against him, or stood up to him, as he has a very good team that can win trophies. It seems like he has a licence to do these sorts of things.”

Because the interview was conducted in Spanish, Benitez cannot contend it was a language issue but it appears plausible that what the Liverpool boss meant was that Ferguson can see Liverpool are 'a better side', rather than "the better side".

Benitez also reiterated his view today that the title race is not over.

"I think United are in the driving seat - that is clear. It depends on them so we have to keep going, keep doing our job, try to win, score four goals don't concede - things like this and see what happens."

Benitez, whose side dropped points in the 4-4 draw with Arsenal in midweek, believes the Gunners can lend a helping hand to the Reds in their title quest.

"I think they will have difficult games and they have to play a lot of games so we have to keep the confidence, the belief that we can do it."

Liverpool's trip to Hull tomorrow, however, will come too early for injured captain Steven Gerrard, but Benitez is confident the England international will be back for the home clash with Newcastle on May 3rd.

"He is not fit and won't be available. I think he will be available next week because he's improving, but this game is too soon," Benitez told the club's official website.

"The rest of the team is available - we have a full squad."