Craig Bellamy has dismissed suggestions he has no working relationship with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.
The forward arrived at Anfield last summer tipped as the man capable of firing The Reds into the title race.
The former Blackburn man has produced only flashes of quality, though, and has found it tough to nail down a regular starting berth under Benitez.
Bellamy has been linked with a summer exit from Anfield and this has fuelled suggestions his relationship with Benitez has soured.
The Welshman has moved quickly to nip the speculation in the bud, as he told the club's website: "That's complete garbage.
"I have gone on record recently and I will say it again now that I have learnt more from Rafael Benitez than any other coach I have worked with.
"I am a much better player for the time I've spent working with him and if I do go on to manage at some point in the future he's the model I'll use in my career. I can't make my respect for him any clearer than that.
"I am even more disappointed that we are approaching a massive game on Tuesday against Chelsea and I am having to waste time responding to this nonsense."