Benitez waits on new deal

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has dismissed rumours linking him with a move to Juventus as he waits on a new deal at Anfield.

Benitez has just over 18 months to run on his current contract, alerting a number of clubs across Europe to the Spaniard's possible availability.

Juventus have been credited with an interest in Benitez as doubts grow over the long-term future of Claudio Ranieri at the Turin giants.

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks declared at the start of the year that he was keen to sort out a contract extension for Benitez, but as yet no new deal has been in the offing.

Benitez is not worried about the situation and is hoping he can sort out a long-term deal so that he can continue his plans on Merseyside.

"I'm not really worried about the situation at the moment," Benitez told the Daily Express. "I am trying to be pragmatic about it and am just concentrating on the things I can improve.

"It doesn't make it more difficult for me to plan for the future.

"I can only control things on the pitch, improve the squad and, if I can do that, then things will be easier in the future.

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"I'm really pleased here and I have two more years left on my contract, so right now I'm just trying to do my job as best as I can.

"I've always said I want to stay here for many years, that hasn't changed."

Benitez, who is now in his fifth season at Anfield, also feels clubs can only thrive if they have a long-term approach and keep faith with managers.

"You can analyse the situation at other clubs in England at the moment," added Benitez. "I will not talk about other managers, but the problem in England now is that everyone wants to be successful too soon.

"That is the part of the game I don't like. I would prefer to have a long-term contract and then you can have a long-term plan.

"All managers need time, but it is more difficult to get that now. But that is not just a problem for me. All managers are in the same situation."