Benitez doesn't dismiss Juve Wednesday 27 January, 2010
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has increased speculation about his future after refusing to rule out taking over from Ciro Ferrara at Juventus.
Thursday's Coppa Italia Quarter-Final against Inter is expected to be Ferrara's last game in charge of the Bianconeri after a run of eight defeats in 11 games.
Benitez has overtaken Guus Hiddink as the favourite to replace Ferrara even though it's unlikely he will be immediately available.
There have been reports this morning that Giovanni Trapattoni is being lined up as a short-term solution. Claudio Gentile, the former Italy Under-21s Coach, also met with Juventus vice-general manager Roberto Bettega this morning.
Speaking after last night's stalemate with Wolves at Molineux, Benitez was asked about the stories linking him with Juventus, to which he replied: “I prefer to talk about the game. I was really focused today trying to do the right thing to try to win the game.”
Rafa's agent, Manuel Garcia Quillon, yesterday clarified a statement he made on Monday in which he also refused to dismiss talk of Juventus.
“I have had no contact with Juventus or with any other Italian club regarding an interest on Rafa,” Quillon said.
Benitez's comments last night will ensure the speculation doesn't go away.