They made a great start to the season, but Hull are now six games without a win. Arsenal, who Phil Brown’s men beat earlier this season, are next up.

Rafa Benitez has rejected the new contract offered to him by Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Spaniard, who has been in charge at Anfield since June 2004, has been considering the deal proposed to him by club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Benitez confirmed last week that an agreement had been reached over the length of his contract and the salary. But he has rejected a clause that would make him accountable to the club’s chief executive – a role currently held by Rick Parry – in relation to on-field matters.

Benitez told the Liverpool Echo: “The owners feel that the manager’s decisions need to be subject to the chief executive.

“But I know that I am subject to results and to our fans and they are the best judges I will ever have.”

They made a great start to the season, but Hull are now six games without a win. Arsenal, who Phil Brown’s men beat earlier this season, are next up.

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