Rafael Benítez reminds Liverpool fans of his loyalty as Everton derby looms

27 November 2009 19:16
That he is not, the Liverpool manager insists, proves his commitment to Anfield. There were "massive" offers in the summer, from sundry "top clubs", but it was that from Real Madrid which tugged at his heartstrings most. [LNB]He turned down the Bernabeu, determined to complete his English opus. There should be no question, he says, that even as Liverpool's season threatens to disintegrate, as the susurration demanding his removal grows in volume, he is prepared to stand and fight. [LNB] Related ArticlesEverton v Liverpool: match previewLiverpool and Everton condemned to life as poor relationsSteven Gerrard demands Liverpool unityAlberto Aquilani set for derby roleSport on television"Agustín. Garcia Cortés, Sabido, García Navajas, Camacho, Del Bosque, Stielike, Ángel, Cunningham, Santillana and Juanito," lists Benítez. It is the line-up of Real's 1981 European Cup final side, of which he was a spare part. "I was a player, a substitute, but I was also a fan. Yet I decided to stay here, at Anfield, after receiving massive offers from big clubs. [LNB]"I have made a commitment for five years to the club, the fans, the staff and the players, all of these people. [LNB]"I understand the fans, I understand that they are disappointed. We want to win games. But I am 100 per cent certain we will finish in the top four. At least the top four. I want to stay and fight, to do my best to win games for Liverpool, so in five years we can talk about another contract extension."[LNB]Kick-starting Liverpool's season at Goodison Park on Sunday would go a long way to making that dream a reality. [LNB]Had Benítez been preparing for Barcelona, the eyes of the world would be on him. That he is not does not diminish the intensity for which he is steeling himself and his players.[LNB] "This is like the Seville derby," he says. "It is a big, big passion. Some derbies are built on fighting for trophies. This is more local." [LNB]

Source: Telegraph