Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is aware of Juventus touting for his services but is fully committed to the Reds. The Italian giants made the Spaniard their top target almost a fortnight ago and sacking coach Ciro Ferrara today and putting Alberto Zaccheroni in place until the end of the season has only increased speculation about a move for the Reds boss in the summer.
Benitez only signed a new five-year contract, worth a reported £4.8million annually, 10 months ago but an early exit from the Champions League and FA Cup and a fall off the pace in the Premier League increased pressure on him.
While Juventus' offer of a get-out in the summer, particularly if Liverpool do not finish in the top four, may seem an attractive proposition, Benitez is standing firm.
"It is a difficult situation. People were talking and there was a lot of speculation in the media," he said.
"I know they (Juventus) were interested, that is part of the game now in football, but I am not ready to talk too much because I don't want to lose my focus.
"I cannot stop speculation all the time. At this moment we are preparing for the game against Bolton (tomorrow).
"I will say I want to fight here, I want to do my job, I want to win and I want to do things here."
"For three months people have been saying 'Rafa will be fired, Rafa will be sacked' but I had people in the game telling me 'Be strong, don't give up, think like this'," said Benitez.
"Now it is 'Rafa will leave'. I cannot stop this.
"When you are a manager and you have clubs asking you have to be proud because they are a top side in Europe.
"Juventus is a big club, we have played against them in the Champions League and they know Liverpool are a top side.
"They know it is not easy to do well always in a top side so it is a question of professionals who know the market, they know the managers and how to find someone good enough for them.
"But again I say, I am proud but I'm also really proud to be here. I am really happy here and want to do my job as best I can."
