Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, remains "100 per cent committed" to the club despite the release of dire financial results yesterday. Figures produced by Kop Holdings Ltd show a £33 million loss in the period up until July 31 last year.

"I said at the end of the season I was very happy here and I will say it again," Benitez said. "The supporters have been absolutely magnificent with me and the staff are working very hard.

"I would not have brought players like Fernando Torres and the young players we have here if I did not have a long term vision for the club. Now is not the time to be saying goodbye. Fernando's agent has asked about my Liverpool future and my answer is that I am 100 per cent committed."

Benitez is intent on strengthening his squad during the close season with Gareth Barry, the Aston Villa captain, close to a move to Anfield after reportedly asking Martin O'Neill to allow him to leave the club.

"If we had a lot of money to spend it would obviously be better," Benitez said. "But if we don't it doesn't matter. It is not about buying the most expensive players, it is about buying the right ones. We have the spine of the team and we can sell some players to get the others we need."