Liverpool boss Benitez, Parry against Premiership global plans

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says he and chief executive Rick Parry are against the Premiership's plans of an international round.

"I don't like it. To play another game in another country is not right for this competition. You must play here in England with the same opportunities for everyone," Benitez said. "The seeding idea is the reason I don't like it. Everyone should have the same opportunities.

"If you can change the league to improve it then that's OK, but in this case it's just about money. You can organise a tournament between the top four in Hong Kong if you wanted money. I don't think it's a solution for anyone. It's not a good idea.

"Maybe the people want to show the level of the Premier League and it might be positive in terms of finance, but if you play 38 games in your country that's enough. You don't need to play games in other countries, otherwise you'd be playing all your life.

"I've spoken with Rick Parry about it and we think the idea is not the best."

The Daily Mail says Benitez's attack on the motion has the potential to drive a further wedge between himself and Anfield's American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, who are reported to have reacted with cautious interest when the international round of matches was mooted.

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