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Benitez: Backing from Hicks
Tom Hicks has given the clearest indication yet that a host of new signings are imminent at Champions League finalists Liverpool.
The American tycoon, who recently completed his joint takeover of the club with George Gillett, has urged manager Rafael Benitez to focus all his attention on Wednesday's Athens showpiece.
But he has revealed that, whatever the result against AC Milan, Benitez will be dipping into the transfer market.
"I know we will make changes," Hicks told the Liverpool Echo.
"Rafa has already announced one signing in Lucas Leiva, who looks really good. I think Rafa will be a very busy man after Wednesday.
"The potential of Liverpool is even greater than I imagined when we bought the club. We knew all about Liverpool's history and tradition.
"The Istanbul victory was so important for the long-term legacy of the club, and if we can win a second so soon that really establishes us and makes Rafa's job easier to add some players.
"We've already started that process and next year we want to contend for both the Premiership and Champions League. Actually, we want to challenge for all four competitions.
"I know what Rafa tells me and I make judgements on his judgements. He has told me the types of improvement he feels we need to compete week in and week out. That's the challenge.
"In the Premiership, you need depth of players and motivated players. There's no problem finding the motivation to beat Barcelona or Chelsea. We know we have to have more consistency.
"He has clear views, and it was important to tie down Steven [Gerrard] and Jamie [Carragher].
"There will be others who follow. We've made very good progress with that, but nobody wants to take their eye off the ball for the next few days, but those deals will be done."
Should Liverpool clinch their sixth European Cup on Wednesday, Hicks will refuse to claim any credit for the success.
"I feel a little guilty," he added.
"I've told friends it's like buying a baseball team and then being a game from winning the World Series. I have nothing to do with it. I've always been a little lucky.
"But I'm just thrilled George and I have such a fantastic opportunity to get off to a great start.
"We've had nothing to do with this success, but if we win we'll bask in the glory.
"I won the Stanley Cup once in hockey but haven't won it since, so I know how special these moments are. They can happen again in the near future or a long time from now, but hopefully not too long, so we're going to make the most of it."
Hicks admits he is still getting used to the concept of a sport in which there are a number of major trophies up for grabs.
"It's intriguing to see the multiple championships," he said.
"Obviously the Premiership is the traditional one which we haven't won for 17 years and then you have the FA Cup and the Champions League.
"I'm not sure how the fans rank each, but I see the Champions League as highly prestigious and it would be a wonderful start to a new era by bringing home that trophy.
"It's funny, but Manchester United fans are probably wishing they were performing better in the Champions League.
"Both the clubs have achieved unique status, but the Champions League will continue to add to its glamour."