I’m here for the long haul, Benitez tells relieved Reds
The Anfield boss is expected to tie up the details of a one-year extension to his current deal in effect a new four-year contract with a significant wage rise following the club's European Cup triumph in the near future.
And Benitez has made it clear he expects to make a genuine bid to win the Premiership in the next few seasons.
That means significant transfer funds will be required, putting added pressure on chief executive Rick Parry to find the major investors to not only fund the new Stanley Park stadium but to strengthen the team.
There is speculation at Anfield that Parry is very close to acquiring the level of investment required and Benitez said: "I want to stay here to win trophies.
"I have not talked to the club about any demands, we will work and try to do our best to sign the best players.
"We all have the same idea. They know we need to improve and to find investors. They are working and I have confidence in them.
"We are also working now on the players that we need.
"We will continue to grow because I am very happy here and can see the level of support from the fans.
"We are close to agreements and I want to finish this speculation by saying I want to stay and I am happy here."
Liverpool are facing the most important decisions in their history concerning their financial situation. Benitez is currently on around £2.5million a year, so a new deal would push his four-year package closer to £15million.
The new stadium costs, revealed at the recent AGM, have risen to £180million and a minimum transfer fund to compete with the top clubs would come to around £80million over four years.
The sums are frightening but Benitez, dismissing talk of a move to Real Madrid or Inter Milan, wants to stay to make them work.
He said: "When you are at a big club and win the Champions League it is normal that big clubs not only talk about players but also the manager.
"But my relationship with people in the club is fantastic and we will try to do our best to help the club grow.
"I know that if we have more money it will be better, but if we do not have more money then we have to work harder with the scouting department.
"Me and all the managers in the world would like to see a lot of money for buying players but in this case I have never demanded anything.
"There are exciting times ahead. I must be positive in my thinking about the future. When I decided to come to Liverpool, it was because it was a big club fighting for titles.
"We have won two [Champions League and European Super Cup] and we will try to improve to win more. We will work harder and do our best for the future.
"The Premier League can be the target for the next season, that will be difficult but that is our idea."
He added: "I do not know how far we are away from being able to challenge Chelsea, I only want to think about the next game and we will see about next season.
"Can we win the Premiership? That depends on Chelsea, Arsenal Man United and maybe Tottenham, they're good teams.
"I am proud when big clubs talk about me, I must be doing something right. But I want be here and win trophies here with my club."
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