Benitez relaxed over Reds' future

Champions League, Group A match
Date: Tuesday, 6 November
Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Venue: Anfield
Listen: BBC Radio 5 Live Updates: BBC Sport website and mobile; Score on BBCi (1930 GMT)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says his job is safe despite the Reds battling to stay in the Champions League and a slow start to their domestic season.

Liverpool are bottom of their Champions League group, having picked up just one point in three games, and seventh in the Premier League.

Benitez insisted Liverpool's owners are remaining "very, very positive".

"I felt they are really focused and supporting so I think the future is great," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

News conference: Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez

If the Reds lose at home to Besiktas on Tuesday, the 2005 European champions will almost certainly be out of the competition.

Defeat would also leave them in danger of missing out on the Uefa Cup spot available to sides who finish third in their Champions League groups.

Despite the cloud hanging over Liverpool's current form, Benitez pointed to the club's European exploits in recent years.

"Tell me how teams can be in two finals in the Champions League in three years?" he said, insisting co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks share his vision for the club's future.

"They must be pleased with the way the team and the club is going because we are changing a lot of things and I think we are progressing."

Source: BBC Sport