Rafael Benitez has attempted to defuse speculation surrounding his Anfield future ahead of Liverpool's game with Portsmouth tonight.
At the weekend, the Spaniard was tipped for a return to Real Madrid with pressure mounting on manager Manuel Pellegrini following their humiliating Champions League exit to Lyon in midweek, despite sitting pretty at the summit of La Liga.
Benitez, however, has insisted that he has received no approaches from his old club and remains focused on turning around the dwindling fortunes suffered by the Reds during the current campaign.
He said: “The club is the most important thing, more than anyone. The most important thing is for everyone to try and do better and to improve performances.
“I don’t want people talking about me. It doesn’t matter. The priority has to be to improve things on and off the pitch.”
Reports of potential new investment by the Rhône Group and claims by Fernando Torres in a Spanish newspaper that he would consider his options if Liverpool did not deliver squad reinforcements during the summer transfer window have further unsettled the club's plans to secure fourth spot
The Kop boss has now urged focus on what he describes as a "crucial" week with the task of overturning a 1-0 reversal against Lille in Thursday's Europa League and a daunting trip to Manchester United to follow the visit of financially-strung Pompey.
He added: “The only thing we should be thinking and talking about is Portsmouth, then the Europa League game against Lille, then Manchester United. It is a crucial week.
“Everybody here wants to improve our position in the table and we have an opportunity to do that tonight against Portsmouth.
“We know that we have had some problems but we know we can solve these problems if we keep working little by little. We have to work together for the good of the club.”
The visitors arrive at Anfield with Aaron Mokoena (knee), Anthony Vanden Borre (hamstring) and Tommy Smith (groin) all set to return but Kevin-Prince Boateng's ankle problem continues to rule him out of action.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will still be without Fabio Aurelio (thigh) and Martin Skrtel (metatarsal) but Yossi Benayoun's chances of recovering from an ankle injury to feature in tonight's game.
Kick-off at Anfield is at 8.00 pm.
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Liverpool go into tonights clash strong favourites, at 9/2 for a 2-0 win over Avram Grant's side. Head to Paddy Power for the latest odds and specials.
Ashok, India around 1 year, 11 months ago