Rafael Benitez defuses Liverpool FC exit talk

15 March 2010 09:00
Rafa Benitez 300[LNB]RAFA BENITEZ today moved to defuse speculation surrounding his future as he insisted only a show of unity will turn Liverpool's ailing season around.[LNB]The Reds boss was once again linked with the Real Madrid job over the weekend but thoughts of leaving Anfield are the furthest thing from his mind.[LNB]Benitez has not been approached by anyone from the Bernabeu with a view to succeeding Manuel Pelligrini.[LNB]What's more, Benitez has poured scorn on suggestions that he has lost his appetite for the fight at Anfield and is desperate to prove that by guiding Liverpool to victory against Portsmouth tonight.[LNB]'The club is the most important thing, more than anyone,' said Benitez. 'The most important thing is for everyone to try and do better and to improve performances.[LNB]'I don't want people talking about me. It doesn't matter.[LNB]'The priority has to be to improve things on and off the pitch.'[LNB]He knows, though, that as long as Liverpool are struggling to qualify for the Champions League conjecture over his position will remain, particularly as the Madrid job is certain to become available in the summer.[LNB]But Benitez will not allow his focus to be distracted from helping the Reds jump back into the top four and has urged everyone at Anfield to concentrate on a massive week for the club.[LNB]'The only thing we should be thinking and talking about is Portsmouth, then the Europa League game against Lille, then Manchester United. It is a crucial week,' Benitez added.[LNB]'Everybody here wants to improve our position in the table and we have an opportunity to do that tonight against Portsmouth.[LNB]'We know that we have had some problems but we know we can solve these problems if we keep working little by little. We have to work together for the good of the club.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo