Sunday, January 31, 2010

Benitez dismisses Juventus deal

Rafael Benitez
Benitez says his priority is to secure a top-four Premier League finish

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has issued a statement dismissing reports he is to join Juventus and reaffirmed his commitment to the Anfield club.

Several Italian papers claimed the Spaniard had agreed terms to take over at the Turin giants in the summer.

But in a statement, Benitez, 49, sought to quash the continued speculation.

"Contrary to reports in the Italian media this weekend, I want to make it absolutely clear I have no agreement with Juventus," Benitez said.

"I have not and will not be meeting Juventus or their representatives or any other club.

"I have a long-term contract with Liverpool and I'll repeat what I said on Friday that I am happy here and my only focus is to do my job as well as I can to get the team back into to the top four, beginning with the derby against Everton."

Reports in Italy on Sunday said Benitez had made a verbal agreement with Juventus about taking over in June.

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It was claimed that officials from the Turin club were in talks with Benitez's lawyers, who would then negotiate his release from his contract at Liverpool, which runs until 2014.

The Italian side sacked manager Ciro Ferrara on Friday and appointed Alberto Zaccheroni as caretaker until the end of the season.

Benitez had previously refused to rule out the switch, admitting on Friday that he was "proud" to be linked to the Italian club.

Sunday's statement gives Liverpool fans more clarity about their manager's thinking, just as results appear to be improving.

The 2-0 victory over Bolton on Saturday was the Reds' sixth straight league game without defeat, suggesting the Spaniard may yet come good on his much-maligned "guarantee" of a top-four finish.

However, he remains under pressure following early exits from the Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup and the failure to mount a title challenge.

The Reds, currently 13 points adrift of league leaders Chelsea, host Merseyside rivals Everton on Saturday.

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