Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have agreed new four-year contracts that will keep them at Anfield until 2009.

Gerrard admitted earlier this week that he would not be signing a new deal, but the Liverpool skipper underwent a u-turn 24 hours later.

Carragher, whose status grew over the course of Liverpool’s victorious Champions League campaign, will be rewarded with an improved deal.

Gerrard admits that his relationship with coach Rafa Benitez needs to improve.

“Our relationship is okay but I admit it could be better and that is something I am going to work on,” he told the Liverpool Daily Post.

“I am sure we will sit down in the next few days for a chat.

“I don’t think he has seen the best of me. There were times last season when I wasn’t happy with my performances. Things were on my mind.

“All the talk of bust-ups is nonsense. We have had a few heated discussions over the last five or six days but my respect for Rafa has not changed.

“He is one of the best coaches in the world and I understand he rates me as a player.”