The Italian media had claimed there was already a verbal agreement between the Spaniard and his would-be new employers and a meeting had taken place today with Benitez’s lawyers to finalise details of the contract.
There were even reports Benitez would make Liverpool trio Dirk Kuyt, Martin Skrtel and, somewhat oddly considering their fractious relationship, Ryan Babel his first signings.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez last night released a statement claiming he has no agreement with Juventus and will not be meeting the Italian club or their representatives, or any other club.
However, similar sources had suggested on Thursday a Juve delegation was in Liverpool only for that to prove to be false.
When asked about the manager’s future Kuyt said he did not believe there would be any change at the top.
‘As far as I know there is no doubt,’ said the Holland international.
‘I’ve not heard there is any trouble or indication the manager could leave so if that is not happening we just want to play football.’
Benitez did not help all the conjecture about his future on Friday when he said he was proud to be linked with one of Europe’s top clubs.
But he did also say he had a job to do an Anfield and was committed to that. Co-owner Tom Hicks’ surprise visit to watch yesterday’s 2-0 victory over Bolton also posed a few questions as to why he had attended a relatively low-key fixture when there was a Merseyside derby next weekend.
He was not, however, bringing a last-minute transfer window war chest for the Spaniard to spend to help Liverpool secure the Champions League football which is so vital to their future. Read more…
Benitez said he was “proud” to be linked as they are a “top side in Europe” but added: “I’m happy here and want to do a job as best I can.”
The Spaniard has come under-fire for a spluttering season and doubts over his future intensified on Friday with Ciro Ferrara’s sacking at the Serie A club.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has rejected talk of an imminent move to become the new Juventus coach.
Alberto Zaccheroni has been handed the role until the end of the season.
The Reds manager signed a new deal in March 2009 to keep him at the Merseyside club until 2014, but an early exit in the Champions League and FA Cup, along with poor Premier League form, has not helped to quash reports of a premature departure.
Benitez’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon revealed on 26 January there was “no truth” in the media speculation linking his client to a move to the Turin club.
And although some reports in Italy suggested a Juventus delegation had flown to Merseyside this week attempting to secure a new long-term manager, Benitez was not prepared to discuss his future.
“I am not here to talk about speculation because people talk too much,” said the 50-year-old.
“I am focused on preparing my team for the game against Bolton (on Saturday). I know they (Juventus) were interested, that is part of the game now in football, but I am not ready to talk too much because I don’t want to lose my focus.” Read more…
Harry Redknapp was last night negotiating a deal to take Ruud van Nistelrooy on a loan deal to Tottenham.
The Spurs boss has moved into pole position in the race to snatch the 33-year-old striker who is no longer wanted at Real Madrid.
He will be struggling to complete the move in time for the 64-cap Holland forward - still an Old Trafford legend after scoring 95 goals in 150 games when he was at Manchester United - to play in Wednesday night’s huge Premier League match at Liverpool.
But Redknapp believes that adding the Dutchman’s experience and firepower will be a turning point in the battle to snatch fourth place - and a spot in next season’s Champions League - away from the Anfield club.
Redknapp was in a swanky London restaurant on Monday night with Van Nistelrooy’s agent, Rodger Linse, setting out his visions of the future at White Hart Lane.
Linse, who earlier in the day rejected approaches from Turkish giants Galatasaray, is still exploring other options for his client. Read more…
Juventus coach, Ciro Ferrara, very satisfied and relieved after his team beat Torino 3-0 in round 16 of the Coppa Italia. This result make he still maintained at least until the end of the season.
Napili opponent’s game is crucial position. If Juve lose, then it is likely he will be fired immediately. So, he’s very grateful to the players who want to follow instructions and play with great enthusiasm.
“Very clearly this game is very, very important for anyone, not just for me. I think the players are dealing with the situation the best way to focus, attention, and the perfect spirit,” said Ferrara.
“Napoli has a good chance from Marek Hamsik who kick hit the goalpost. But, overall Juventus won the game prove worthy,” he added.
Mentioned about the issue of firring, Ferrara said, “We have developed a lot of rumors.”
He even explains his team plan to spend on players this January transfer window. “We’ll be working to buy the players needed to replace several players who left. We also must get the injured players recover quickly. We have little choice when in this game,” he explained. Read more…
MAXI RODRIGUEZ’S move to Liverpool has edged closed with the Argentina international arriving in the city today.
Atletico Madrid winger Rodriguez is scheduled to have a medical before signing an 18-month contract.
He will watch tonight’s FA Cup third-round replay against Reading at Anfield before returning to Spain to tie up the final details.
Rodriguez, 29, still has to agree his pay-off from Atletico but could be back in England by the weekend to figure in the squad that will travel to Stoke on Saturday.
The £1.5million arrival of Rodriguez follows the departures of Andrea Dossena to Napoli and Andriy Voronin to Dinamo Moscow.
Those two deals have brought in £6.5m and £10m-rated Ryan Babel’s future is also in doubt.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez has been assured that he can spend any money brought in after previously being told to wait until the summer before splashing out on new additions.
Inter Milan reportedly continue to work hard to get a midfielder and Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard. In fact, they are targeting to get Gerrard in six months, when the competition ended.
Liverpool was being ridden financial problems. This will be used to obtain Inter their greatest asset, Steven Gerrard. Moreover, Gerrard was also never intended to move, but the protests Liverpudlian.
“There are teams who are working hard on the stock transfer in June to make a surprise later. Try the way to get Steven Gerrard Liverpool if the economy continues to deteriorate,” said a football agent, Claudio Pasqualin told Radio Sport Anchio Lo.
“There are some important names which we will pursue in the future,” he added,
Inter Milan coach, Jose Mourinho, recently was declared need midfielders who can be a balance team. “I never asked to buy a striker,” he said.
Liverpool owner Tom Hicks claims that his club’s financial situation better than Manchester United. Hicks also promised to bring big players next season.
Hicks said the pledge shortly after his son resigned from the board of the club and the company owned by Hicks Kop Holdings. Hicks Jr., the resignation followed the club management changes are believed to be better than the previous structure.
To the fans, Hicks Liverpool assured that the debt is not as bad as the burdensome loans MU.
MU’s revenue for 48 million pounds, including sales thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo. However, “Red Devils” are still burdened with debt of 509 million pounds. Glazer family which owns Manchester is also rumored to take 20 million pounds of club revenue as management fees.
“Our debt is manageable and we never use the player to close the sale of debt. Flowers from 200 million pounds of debt our 16 million pound range,” said Hicks. Read more…
Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel, revealed, the tension between Luca Toni and the club are implications to the team’s performance. According to him, after Toni leave, the conditions better team and focus on pursuing a degree.
“The atmosphere in Munich was incredible today. Every person cared about one another and none of those who disturb the peace,” said Van Bommel.
Toni joined the Munich since 2007 earlier. Toni did not disappoint his new club because he has delivered three trophies for “The Bavarian”.
However, Toni was more action this season with the arrival of brand-new coach Louis van Gaal. Dutch coach is a waste of his ability to put more on the bench.
Feeling tired and worried about losing a place in the Italian national team that appeared in the 2010 World Cup South Africa, Toni chose left. He returned to Italy to join AS Roma.
According to Van Bommel, since the departure of Toni, a team situation is much better and be more focused in their pursuit of a degree. Van Bommel has admitted, the tension between the club and Toni is very big influence on the team. Read more…
Patrick Vieira missed cold reception and Manchester United supporters scoffed at Old Trafford. He hoped, could maintain the physical condition and performance, so that when opportunities come to the Old Trafford came, he could appear and release of longing.
Vieira played for Arsenal in the period 1996-2005. He is part of the era in which Arsenal and Chelsea rivalry was so tight. Not infrequently, the competition ended the fight both camps, as were playing.
One of the worst moments Arsenal and Vieira happened when they met Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals 1998-1999. At the time, Vieira failed to maintain control of the ball so that the MU can be scored their second goal by Ryan Giggs. MU closed the game with a 2-1 victory and ended the season with three titles won.
Over the incident, supporters of MU picked Arsenal supporter’s song which says: “He (Vieira) came from Senegal and play for Arsenal” and turn it into: “Viera he gave the ball to Giggsy (Ryan Giggs calls) and Arsenal failed to win”.
“I like to go there. Hearing supporters (MU) singing it. Against United are always interesting. The song is part of the atmosphere. I’ll be glad to hear it again,” said Vieira. Read more…
