Dalglish talks a private matter, says Liverpool owner

Liverpool owner John W Henry has refused to be drawn on Kenny Dalglish’s future, saying the matter will remain behind closed doors.

Dalglish, whose caretaker role is due to expire at the end of the season, led Liverpool to a 2-0 win at Sunderland on Sunday that saw the Reds move within four points of fifth-placed Tottenham.

The Liverpool legend has led the ailing club to 20 points from 10 games in charge since taking over from Roy Hodgson, and is believed to be a frontrunner to nab a long-term position at Anfield.

But Henry is remaining coy on the subject, saying talks with Dalglish would not be played out in public.

“What’s going on in that regard is private,” Henry said when asked if he had opened discussions with the manager.

“It’s something called the Liverpool way and you do these things behind closed doors.”

“I’m not going to talk about these things, but he’s done very well. It’s all very positive. Someone was saying that people weren’t happy here, but I think since that person left, people are happier.”

“We are working on the future. We will have to have a lot of days like today to do that (finish fifth). This was a big three points, because this is a tough place.”

“Tottenham are fifth and look very good, so we will have to play extraordinarily well. We will have to win when they come to Anfield to have a shot at that.”

Dalglish took time in his post-match press conference to shoot down rumours he had demanded a four-year deal from the Liverpool boss, saying contract discussions are still in their infancy.

“As regards the job, I’ve seen in the papers I’ve asked for a four-year contract, but I don’t know who I’m supposed to have asked,” Dalglish said.

“I also saw that I was offered two but I don’t know who sent that in.”

“Somebody asked if I’d spoken to the owners. Of course I have, I speak to them every week. They’re fantastic and supportive but there have been no detailed discussions about next year.”

“Until there’s something to be said we can’t make it up for you, until then, there’s nothing.”

“For me that’s not a problem. The club has always been the most important thing. I don’t have a problem with that. There’s no pressure on anyone.”