Liverpool upset by Man City CEO's claim of Mancini approach

London, Dec. 24 (ANI): Liverpool FC are angry over claims made by Garry Cook, the chief executive of Manchester City, that the former had approached Roberto Mancini to replace Rafa Benítez as manager.Cook's latest controversial comments have landed him in hot water with the Liverpool hierarchy, who have refused to comment.

Privately, however, they have not been impressed by his outburst, The Times reports.

Cook has been at the centre of a storm of negative publicity after the sacking of Mark Hughes last Saturday and the subsequent appointment of Mancini as manager.

In particular, Cook was criticised after he claimed that Mancini had not been offered the job until last Thursday, but it has emerged that the decision to replace Hughes had been taken three weeks ago.

Benítez will also see Cook's comments as an unnecessary distraction as he attempts to reinvigorate Liverpool's flagging fortunes. (ANI)