Rafa Benitez responds to Steven Gerrard’s claims that they’re not football friends anymore

You could cut the tension with a paella knife.

Steven Gerrard's new book is coming out and to be honest we're not sure there's any point buying it at all after the amount of content that has been serialised over the last few days. One of the more juicy titbits that came put over the weekend was the former Liverpool midfielder claimed that he and Rafa Benitez had a less than friendly relationship.

"I can pick up the phone and speak to all of my previous Liverpool managers, except for Rafa." "It's a shame because we shared the biggest night of our careers - the 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul - yet there is no bond between us."

The comments caused some surprise with Gerrard also revealing that he was embarrassed by the infamous Benitez 'fact' rant during the 2008/09 season as well as slamming the decision to sell Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Benitez faced the media this afternoon ahead of the start of the Champions League with his team facing Shakthar Dontetsk and he left journalists cold with his response when asked if he had seen Gerrard's comments over the weekend.

"I have read the quotes and I believe he is wrong because what we have to do is enjoy.

"And out of the respect that I have for Stevie and for the value and appreciation I have for him, and for Liverpool and the supporters I think it’s best to just let it pass." 

The journalists then asked Benitez why Gerrard would say something like that in a book, and the Spainard hit back with a very catty response,

 "He has brought out a book and now I’m the Real Madrid manager, that sells."

Cameras at the ready if the two men happen to meet in the coming months.