Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is happy with the support he has been receiving from the club's co-owner Tom Hicks.

The Spanish tactician has been under immense pressure recently over their disappointing Premier League campaign.

Their form was such that Hicks and co-owner George Gillett revealed they spoke to Jurgen Klinsmann as a possible replacement for Benitez.

However, The Reds' midweek success over Internazionale in the UEFA Champions League eased the pressure on the former Valencia coach, who claims his relationship with Hicks could not be better.

"After the meeting we had then, everything was clarified and I have had the support of Tom Hicks," said Benitez.

"Almost every week - not every day, but before or after a game - he contacts me.

"He sends e-mails saying: 'Come on', 'Well done' and 'You can do it'. Very positive. I e-mail him back saying 'Thank you'.

"After Barnsley he said 'Come on, keep focused on the Champions League'. He is very supportive.

"My relationship with Tom is good and I don't have a problem.

"It was a misunderstanding before and I think he understands all the things I was telling him before.

"I am a fighter, I have always been a fighter so when we had the problems I was fighting. When everything was much better I was really focused.

"I don't have any concerns. I am trying to concentrate on football.

"To win the Champions League is difficult. Against top sides you can play really well and lose.

"It's important to finish in the top four and progress as much as you can in the Champions League."

More news from SportingLife.com