Source: SKY_Sports
Rafa reiterates commitment
Rafa Benitez has promised Liverpool fans he is fully committed to the club despite speculation of an exit.
Rumours were rife that Benitez was set to quit the club in the build up to Wednesday's 4-0 win over Stoke City after a reported argument with club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
However, Benitez laughed off the reports and his side responded in style with a ruthless display against the Potters to get their season up and running after an opening weekend defeat to Tottenham.
The Spaniard has now assured fans there was no truth in the gossip and has promised to honour the five-year contract he signed earlier this year.
He said: "I can tell everyone that my commitment to the club is still there.
"When I signed the new contract it was because of the fans, because of the staff and because of the players.
"I told everyone I will stay - it was my decision. I'm really pleased here and I'd like to stay for the length of my contract.
The fans know this so that's the most important thing for me.
"The problem here is that rumours go around very, very quickly. Even people who know me wanted to know what was happening. They all asked: 'Are you going? What happened?' I was even surprised myself."
Experience
The 49-year-old is no stranger to speculation surrounding his future and has previous experience of dealing with such matters on the eve of a big game.
He said: "We had a situation similar to this one when we played Real Madrid in the Champions League. It was a surprise then, but we won the game.
"This time I got messages when I was preparing for the game against Stoke. They came through on my phone.
"We had a team talk and then came the messages. I had to concentrate, but no-one expected that. I don't know how, but someone started talk about this and the rumour grew.
"I can guarantee, though, nothing affected me as I was preparing for Stoke."
