Valencia have filed a £2m compensation claim against former coach Rafa Benitez for breaking his contract.

However, the recently-appointed Liverpool coach plans to counter sue the club for unpaid wages.

“Each person has to defend their own interests,” Valencia president Jaime Orti told a Spanish radio station.

“We have taken out a suit against Benitez because he did not complete his contract.”

Spanish sports daily Marca claim that Valencia were looking to recoup £2m in compensation from the 44-year-old coach.

Meanwhile, Benitez has reportedly said his owed £1.6m in wages and bonus payments by the club.

Benitez had one year left on his contract when he walked ouit to replace Gerard Houllier at Liverpool.