Rafa: Expect Signings This Month

After another trophyless season for Liverpool - the height of disappointment being another fourth place finish and elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Barnsley - Rafa Benitez is once again looking to strengthen his squad.

Areas that may be strengthened are the the wings and full-backs, Gareth Barry, David Bentley and Schalke's Rafinha and Eric Abidal are just some of the names recently linked with the Reds.

An offer has been made for Barry - Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was far from impressed with it - and while Benitez is not naming names just yet, he is confident that, after positive talks with under-fire chief executive Rick Parry, some signings will be made soon - very soon.

We aren’t working on signing new players in June or July - but to sign them in May if that is possible," revealed the Spaniard.

“We will not be waiting until August to sign players. I think we will do things well before. Perhaps you will see some evidence in a few weeks.”

“It will help me if the signings of new players are done early. It needs to be as soon as possible really, because then you know the situation and you can control the pre-season.

"Rick (Parry) knows the necessity of early deals. Our conservation the other day was very positive.

“We are trying to fix the targets and progress. He knows that we want to sign the players right now.”

After much speculation over the boss' future in light of the troubles off the pitch at Anfield, he has moved to reassure Kopites he is happy at the club, praising the supporters and continuing to look toward the future.

The former Valencia boss insisted he was happy with a fourth place finish, despite the disappointment of many fans, and that it was testament to the strength of the league.

"The supporters have been fantastic all season for the team, the club and especially for me," said Benitez.

"I will now be planning and preparing for next season. We will go to Switzerland as usual in pre-season to play some friendlies.

"I am really, really pleased to be here. The fans have been fantastic for me and the team.

"During the summer we will try to improve the squad. We are still not taking our chances, so that is something that we will try to improve.

"Sunday was our last home game, so it was important to say 'thank you' to the fans, but the way to do that was with a win. To hear them every week with their fantastic support makes me proud to be here.

"I am pleased with fourth, but we want to be higher. But people must not forget that the top two are the top two in Europe as well and will spend a lot of money in the summer.

"Chelsea and Manchester United are at the top of Europe, so to be in the top four in England is very, very difficult. To be there, or to qualify for the Champions League for four years, is hard to achieve.

"We will always try to be contenders. But talking about it does not change things.

"The key now is to sign the right players, and to improve the squad. I do not really know what I have to spend, but it is not a question of money, it is spending the right money on the right players. You do not always have to spend big money."

With signings expected, departures will follow. John Arne Riise, Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant were absent from the lap of honour, with Benitez explaining that as they were not in the squad for the game, they did not attend and that it meant nothing more than that.

"They were not in the squad, so they had freedom to do what they want," said Rafa. "Sometimes players who are not in the squad do not come to the ground."

Chet Winter, Goal.com