Football Talk - Ferguson tries to defuse Liverpool row - 21/04/09
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is has attempted to defuse his ongoing row with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez. Ferguson was critical of Benitez last week accusing the Spaniard of being arrogant.
The Scot along with Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce hit out at Benitez for gestures he made during Liverpool's 4-0 win over Blackburn earlier this month. Ferguson says he is prepared to draw a line under the whole episode as the title race enters the finishing straight.
"I made my point about it. I don't understand why he did it," said Ferguson. "I don't want to go on about it anymore. I made my point. There is no point carrying it on. It's plain for everybody to see now. I have made my issue about it." When informed about Liverpool's explanation about Benitez's gesture, Ferguson added: "They are hurt by it."
Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee defended Benitez from Ferguson's attack on Monday claiming any gestures were made towards the Liverpool players and no one else. "Certainly, any gestures that are made pitchside are to our players, not to anyone else," said Lee. "I'm surprised he [Allardyce] didn't mention anything to me when we were sat having a drink after the game," added Lee, who spent a spell as assistant to Allardyce at Bolton.
"No one mentioned anything, and I'm sure if anyone felt strongly about it they would have. But we'll move on. One thing I'll say is that Rafa is certainly not arrogant, no way."
