Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes he has cleared up any misunderstanding with the club's co-owners, describing his meeting with the two Americans as "very positive".

Benitez reckons talks with George Gillett and Tom Hicks following the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield went some way to resolving the differences over the club's transfer policy.

Benitez was angered after being told he was to focus on training and coaching and leave money matters to chief executive Rick Parry.

Today he told the official Liverpool website: "We needed to clarify the situation and it was a very positive meeting.

"The conversation was very fluid because we were face to face, whereas it's more difficult over the phone or by email.

"My English isn't always the best but having the chance to talk to them slowly and with time allowed us to analyse small problems. Now we can move forward."

After the meeting Gillett publicly backed Benitez, saying: "This wasn't supposed to happen but it has happened and now the focus has to be on finding a common platform to continue our co-operation. Rafa is the one we want as a manager further on and we have faith in him."

Meanwhile midfielder Xabi Alonso could return against Chelsea in the Carling Cup quarter-final match tomorrow following a 10-match absence with a metatarsal injury.

Alonso has made a full recovery after being sidelined since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in October.

Benitez said: "Xabi is training normally and should be available for the match at Chelsea.

"We are going into a busy period with lots of games so it is important to have our best players available."