Liverpool held to 0-0 draw at Hull

May 10, 2010 - 6:17 AM By GEOFF McALLISTER STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Rafa Benitez refused to commit his future to Liverpool as they bowed out on a disappointing Premier League campaign with a lifeless 0-0 draw at relegated Hull.

Benitez will hold another set of talks with the Anfield board to ensure his 'conditions' for next season are met but with rising debts, a lack of a buyer and no fresh investment which could lead to player sales, the Spaniard may not stick around.

Juventus are waiting in the wings and Benitez's six-year spell on Merseyside could come to an abrupt conclusion this week.

On the field, what potentially could be his final game in charge produced few abiding memories with Alberto Aquilani and Steven Gerrard both hitting the post.

Benitez said: "The meeting was really good and really positive and we are now ready for another one.

"I am really pleased to be here for a long time and I will stay if the conditions are right and we will have to see.

"I have four years remaining on my contract and made a strong commitment to the club."

Hull begun the game hoping to reverse the unenviable statistic of never beating Liverpool and from the early exchanges appeared unable to reverse that trend.

In a lively start which ended up on a downward curve, Liverpool were on the front foot with Dirk Kuyt feeding Nabil El Zahr only for Hull midfielder Tom Cairney to intercept and nearly claim an own goal.

Liverpool with Kuyt up front and lacking the bite of Fernando Torres looked short on ideas in midfield and Hull began to fancy their chances as the game developed.

Gerrard, in a disappointing campaign for the Reds skipper, set up El Zahr again who was denied by Matt Duke, George Boateng then cleared off the line from a Kuyt header.

The visitors were unconvincing but continued to create the best chances as Aquilani wasted a good chance from 12 yards as Kevin Kilbane had failed to head clear but the Italian shot wide.

On the stroke of half-time the midfielder, who according to reports was last week placed on the transfer list, struck a well-hit effort against the face of the crossbar with Daniel Agger unconvincing on the rebound.

Hull's trepidation in the first half was replaced by greater adventure in the second 45 minutes and Pepe Reina pulled off a fine stretched save to deny Bernard Mendy from 40 yards after Anthony Gardner rolled a free-kick into his path.

Hull were then desperately unlucky not to claim a goal when Mendy's cross arrowed across the six yard box only to evade both Jan Vennegor of Hesselink and Mark Cullen.

Gerrard struck the woodwork again for Liverpool in the final ten minutes but as the game dribbled to conclusion attentions will now be focused on respective issues off the field.

Hull interim boss Ian Dowie, who will hold a meeting this week with chairman Adam Pearson, said: "I am sure we will have a discussion. The restructuring of the club is the main concern for me.

"We have had some good times here, it is evident the wage bill is unsustainable in the Championship.

"We need to show by August we have a side that shows the same hunger we showed this week."