Benitez link to Juventus denied

Last updated : 26 January 2010 By BBC Sport

Current manager Ciro Ferrara is under pressure because of Juve's poor form.

However, Benitez's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon said: "I have had no contact with Juventus or with any other Italian club regarding an interest on Rafa."

Benitez signed a new deal in March 2009 that could keep him at the Merseyside club until 2014.

His agent added: "There have been rumours linking Rafa to Juve, just as there have been reports linking Guus Hiddink to Juve.

"They are all media speculation and there is no truth in it. Rafa has a four-year contract with Liverpool.

"He feels he has the strength to continue with the team and he is fully focused on guiding Liverpool up the standings."

Liverpool and Juventus were knocked out of the Champions League before the winter break and lie sixth in their respective leagues.

Benitez's side are 13 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United, while last weekend's 2-1 defeat by Roma was Juve's fifth loss in six Serie A games and left them 16 points adrift of leaders Inter Milan.

Russia coach Hiddink was linked to Juve, who have been hit by injuries this season, before the loss to Roma and it led to Ferrara hitting out at the reports.

Meanwhile, Benitez, 49, came under fire after Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Reading earlier this month.

That defeat led former Reds captain Ronnie Whelan to say the Spaniard should be replaced.

But despite his side's poor form, Benitez received the backing of Liverpool's board.

Source: BBC Sport

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Source: BBC Sport