[Mighty T.A.L.]

Benitez frustrated with Liverpool contract talks for stars

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has admitted some frustration over the lack of progress over new contract talks with his senior players.

Benitez sighed with frustration when he pondered the protracted negotiations for contract extensions with Gerrard, Carragher, Jose Reina and Xabi Alonso.

"Have Carra and Steve signed contracts?," he said. "I am asking you. Xabi or Reina?

"I was with Xabi and others after the game. We talked about the opposition, the tactics we had. It's normal. It's usually players like Xabi, Reina, Gerrard, Carra. They want to know you have good players ready to sign.

"We were talking about the fact that to renew the contracts of key players would send a message to other players, that we want to build a strong team. It's the same when you're signing players. If you bring strong, top-class players to the club, other players say: 'This team are going forward and growing'. But if we waste time, we can't sign the players we want."

Source: tribalfootball.com