Liverpool boss Benitez defends 'Rafa's rant' at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has had 10 months to reflect on one of the defining moments of last season but the Spaniard is still standing by his amazing rant about Sir Alex Ferguson.

Benitez put a great deal of preparation into his list of complaints about the Manchester United boss and delivered his speech in a calm manner. But the material was dynamite as he focused on Ferguson's complaints about fixtures and his

perceived bullying of referees.

The outburst came ahead of the Reds' match at Stoke where victory would have allowed Benitez to look down on the rest of the Premier League. But after drawing at the Britannia Stadium it was widely considered the Anfield chief had failed in an attempt to take on Ferguson at mind games.

Earlier this month Ferguson was handed a touchline ban after his post-match complaints about referee Alan Wiley’s fitness, so, does Benitez allow himself a wry smile?

Talking point: Benitez (right) had plenty to say about Old Trafford chief Ferguson

'No,' he said. 'I thought it was the best way to put things across and that people would see something that everybody knew and maybe no one could say. I said it. I was talking about facts,' he told The Times.

'Now the situation is different, but you still see things that you could say...

'It’s better to leave it and focus on my team and try to improve our performance. That’s the best way to help my team.