Benitez dismisses Real link

Rafael Benitez insists he is concentrating on the rest of Liverpool’s campaign - rather than reports linking him with taking charge at Real Madrid.

The 44-year-old Spaniard, who is a former Madrid player and youth-team coach, is in his first season as manager at Anfield and has guided the club to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The former Valencia boss is seen as a possible candidate to succeed Wanderlei Luxemburgo at the Bernabeu, with the Spanish giants currently trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by 11 points.

Benitez, whose side face Blackburn in the Barclays Premiership tonight, is unconcerned by the speculation.

“Real Madrid is just another rumour,” he said. “All I am thinking about is a win against Blackburn. I want to win. That is my only idea.

“I am very proud to be here. I have five years on my contract.”