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General Sports News

Rafa rejects quit reports

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 26/02/2009

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has dismissed suggestions that he is considering walking away from the club after failing to reach agreement over a new contract.

The Spanish coach has 15 months remaining on his present deal but the build-up to Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League last 16 first leg victory over Real Madrid was overshadowed by suggestions that the game could be his last at the helm.

Benitez has been at loggerheads with Liverpool's American owners over his new deal and has reportedly rejected three contract offers as he is seeking a greater influence over the club's transfer policy.

However speaking after the win in Madrid, Benitez claimed he was not thinking about walking away and was hopeful of agreeing terms on his new contract.

Meanwhile, star striker Fernando Torres could miss Liverpool's next two games after injuring his ankle during the victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Skipper Cesc Fabregas has written off Arsenal's Premier League title chances for this season, with the Gunners now out of the betting.

Fabregas has watched on from the sidelines with a knee ligament injury while his team-mates have slipped 17 points off the pace set by leaders Manchester United in recent weeks.

The Spain midfielder is due back in action next month but he does not believe he will be returning to a team with realistic title ambitions.

Tiger Woods claims he is feeling fit and healthy after making an impressive return to action.

The world number one was a 3&2 winner over Australian Brendan Jones in the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play on his first outing for eight months after knee reconstruction surgery.

Andy Murray has pulled out of the ATP event in Dubai before his quarter-final meeting with Richard Gasquet.

The British number one was struggling with an ankle problem during his last 16 victory over Arnaud Clement on Wednesday but has withdrawn from the tournament citing a virus.

In the Caribbean, England won the toss and elected to bat first in the fourth Test against West Indies.

Needing a win to save the series, Ryan Sidebottom, Ravi Bopara and Tim Ambrose have been called up in place of the dropped Steve Harmison, the injured Andrew Flintoff and the absent Matt Prior.

Meanwhile, Honda are expected to be on the grid for next month's season opening Australian Grand Prix after the for sale Formula One team began preparations for pre-race qualifying in Spain.

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