Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has rubbished claims the club could go the same way as Leeds United if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Benitez admits the club has acted to cut their huge debts - or at least to prevent them building up any further.

He explained: "One of the priorities this year was to reduce debt and we are all working very hard to do this.

"I cannot ever see the club going like Leeds, because we know the dangers and we are working together, the football side and the financial people, to improve the situation.

"When I signed my five-year deal, I knew what needed to be done. It is my job to work with what we have."

Yet Benitez was adamant he would still be able to ask for money to strengthen the squad if the right players became available for signing in next month's transfer window.

He said: "We want to build up the club on the field, as well as off it. If a deal is one I think is right, I will take it to the club's financial people and we will go from there."