Benitez plays down Madrid link

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has distanced himself from reports linking him with the Real Madrid manager’s job.

Juan Ramon Lopez Caro is currently in charge at the Bernabeu, although vice-president Emilio Butragueno has left open the possibility of another change soon if results do not improve.

Real are fourth in the Primera Liga and six points behind leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona, while reaching the Champions League knockout stages did not prevent Wanderer Luxemburg losing his job as boss.

Benitez has been seen as a candidate after spending almost a decade coaching at the club, starting off with their juniors and working up to the reserve team.

However, Benitez said: “I am happy at Liverpool, I am Liverpool’s manager and I have a job to do here.

“I have said this in the past and now I have an important game in the Champions league against Chelsea (tomorrow) to think about and that is all that is on my mind.

“I certainly will not allow this speculation to disrupt my preparation for the game, but as I say, I am happy here at this club.”