Source: SKY_Sports
Rafa reveals Reds plan
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has set his sights on improving every aspect of the Anfield club after signing a new long-term contract.[LNB] The Spaniard finally put an end to speculation over his future on Wednesday evening when he put pen-to-paper on a new five-year deal.[LNB]With his own future resolved, Benitez is eager to agree new contracts for key players such as Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt and tie his backroom staff to fresh terms.[LNB]He told the Liverpool Echo: "It was a very easy decision for me to take because I only ever wanted to stay at this football club.[LNB]"My priority now is to do the deals for my staff and for the players who will be important for this club in the future. [LNB]"We want to improve in all departments - the squad, the mentality - everything that we possibly can.[LNB]"We want to be successful and to bring trophies to this club for the fans."[LNB]WorriedWith Benitez rejecting the initial drafts of his new contract from the club's hierarchy, speculation increased that he could be set to turn his back on Merseyside giants.[LNB]But while the former Valencia boss admits the negotiations were tense at times, he never envisaged leaving Anfield.[LNB]He said: "Because of the uncertainty it was a difficult time. The conversations went on for a long time and because of that I was a bit worried.[LNB]"But I never thought of leaving and in the end it has all been sorted out thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.[LNB]"From the very beginning everyone knew that I wanted to stay here.[LNB]"But it took a bit longer for everything to be concluded because there were certain issues that we needed to be clarified."[LNB]Perfect weekSigning the new long-term deal has set the seal on a memorable spell for Liverpool, with Benitez's commitment coming hot on the heels of their UEFA Champions League thrashing of Real Madrid and last Saturday's stunning 4-1 win at Manchester United.[LNB]But the Spaniard, who moved to Merseyside in June 2004, is already looking to the future and is eager to add more silverware to the Anfield trophy cabinet.[LNB]He said: "For me and for my family it has been a fantastic week. My idea is always to win trophies, not just games.[LNB]"But to beat Real Madrid and Manchester United and then sign the contract makes this a perfect week. But now we must look ahead, not back." [LNB]
