Balague denies Rafa rumours

"There are reports that betting has been suspended on this particular market and the rumour that Benitez will be gone by the morning has spread like wildfire around the Liverpool supporters out here in Madrid and on the internet," he said.

"I can say with absolute certainty, categorically, that Rafa Benitez will not be sacked as manager of Liverpool this evening and that these rumours are not true.

"It's absolutely rubbish and there's no truth in it."