Liverpool owner John W. Henry remained coy over Kenny Dalglish's long-term future as Reds manager after a controversial 2-0 win against Sunderland.

A rare public utterance from the billionaire Anfield owner failed to shed much light on the state of play, as did the latest update by the taciturn Dalglish following the comfortable victory at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

However, after an impressive run of 20 points from Dalglish's 10 games in charge rekindled hope of European qualification, it's a reasonable assumption the 60-year-old's future at the helm is likely to last beyond his current agreement until the end of the season.

"What's going on in that regard is private," Henry said after watching as goals by Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez sealed the win.

"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."

Not to be outdone by the American, Dalglish poured cold water on suggestions he had demanded a long-term deal, and he said: "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. 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's been no detailed discussions about next year."

AFP

(China Daily 03/22/2011 page24)