Benitez shrugs off Juventus interest for Liverpool stay

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."

 
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