FOOTBALL : Rafael Benitez insists he understands the distress of Liverpool’s fans at the club’s current plight, while re-affirming his commitment to the club.
Rafael Benitez insists he understands the distress of Liverpool’s fans at the club’s current plight, while re-affirming his commitment to the club.
The Anfield manager faces a Merseyside derby at Everton on Sunday with the club’s Champions League campaign over and their place in the Premier League top four under threat.
Benitez said: “You cannot be a fan and be happy when your team is not winning. There are reasons why, but I will not be making any excuses, we will improve.”
He added: “Everyone at this club is disappointed we are not winning. The only way to change things is to work hard.
“I had some contact with the (American) owners last week, and they were reassuring. This week we have not needed to speak, only that Christian Purslow (managing director) supportive and we speak every day.”
And Benitez has made it clear he has no intention of leaving, despite big offers.
The Spaniard : “This situation for me is not new. After winning the league in Spain, then the UEFA Cup and then here winning the Champions League and the FA Cup, it meant I have had a lot of offers.
“Last season the offer was for massive money, but I signed for Liverpool and I have not had any regrets. I had given my word to the staff and the players. I love this city and I love the club and the fans.
“When I signed my new contract I had offers from other clubs for more money and a lot more money to spend in the transfer market. But I decided to stay because I felt we had a very good team.
“We will prove this during the rest of the season. We know we are not playing at the level we can but we will improve, we will be back in Europe.”
