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Liverpool boss Benitez: Sack reports shocked me

The Spaniard's uncertain future after three-and-a-half years at the club is high on the agenda as co-chairmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett hold a summit meeting in the U.S. with chief executive Rick Parry.

Having infuriated the Americans in a public clash over his role at the club, Benitez is concerned to discover that Jurgen Klinsmann and Jose Mourinho are both in the frame to replace him.

He was keen to deny weekend speculation that he considers himself a 'dead man walking' at Liverpool, particularly to reassure fans who he felt backed him so strongly in the dispute with Hicks and Gillett.

Benitez told the Liverpool Echo: "I was shocked when I was told about the stories and when I saw them for myself I was even more surprised.

"I don't know how many times I have to say I only see my future at Liverpool Football Club before certain people believe me.

"But I will say it again, because it is really important that everyone understands this - I love the club, I love the fans, I love the city and I am very, very happy here.

"I do not see my future at Real Madrid or Inter Milan or anywhere else. I see my future at Liverpool and this is where I want to stay. So to see my name linked with other clubs really disappoints me.

"The fact that they said the stories had come from a source close to me is what disappoints me most.'

He added: "I want to completely commit myself to Liverpool Football Club. I do not want to go anywhere else. I want to win trophies for my club and for our fans and I still believe we can do this.

"The backing of the supporters has been fantastic. As I walked on to the pitch at Luton on Sunday, the fans were singing my name and that means so much to me. That is why I want to achieve even more."

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