Benitez: Gerrard is trying to sell books

RAFA BENITEZ says Steven Gerrard’s claims that he never liked the ex-Liverpool captain when the two worked together at Anfield are just aimed at shifting more books. Gerrard’s view was revealed in Sportsmail’s serialisation of his new autobiography. ‘I have read the quotes and I believe he is wrong,’ Benitez told Spanish TV. ‘Out of the respect I have for Stevie and for the value and appreciation I have for him, I think it’s best to just let it pass. He has brought out a book and now I’m the Real Madrid manager, that sells more.’ Meanwhile, Benitez has caused more controversy in Madrid by refusing to name Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player he has ever coached. Madrid supporters were upset last month when Benitez failed to name Ronaldo as the best player in the world. He said: ‘He is an excellent player. He is one of the best I have coached. I cannot say he is the best because I have had some very good ones. But at this moment, for me, he is our player and he is the best in the world.’ LIVERPOOL captain Jordan Henderson yesterday flew to New Jersey for treatment on a heel injury that has kept him out for a month. Liverpool’s captain (right) had hoped rest would cure the issuem, but he will visit Dr James Cozzarelli in an effort to speed up the healing process. GARY LINEKER claims the Barclays Premier League is ruining the chances of success for English clubs in Europe. ‘It’s the Spanish who do well because they’ve got a form of playing that’s not particularly exhausting and they keep the ball,’ the former England striker said. ‘We completely kill ourselves in the Christmas period with the madness of our fixtures. Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Okay, do that, but why the middle Saturday as well? Get rid of that one and replays in cup competitions.’