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Benitez ´proud´ of Juventus link

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said Friday that he was proud of Juventus's reported interest in him, in comments that will be seen as keeping the door open to a possible move to Serie A.

Juventus on Friday sacked Ciro Ferrara and installed Alberto Zaccheroni as their new head coach.

The Italian giants did not confirm the length of Zaccheroni's contract but local media reported that he had only been guaranteed the role until the end of the season.

That may be a sign that Juve's directors, who reportedly sent a delegation to Liverpool to see Benitez earlier this week, still harbour hope of persuading the Spaniard to quit Anfield.

Benitez insisted on Friday that he did not want to talk about the subject but, perhaps significantly, confirmed he had been made aware of Juventus's interest.

"I am not here to talk about speculation because people talk too much," he told reporters.

"I am focused on preparing my team for the game against Bolton. I know they (Juventus) were interested, that is part of the game now in football, but I am not ready to talk too much because I don't want to lose my focus.

"When you are a manager and you have clubs asking (for you), you have to be proud because they are a top side in Europe, but I am really happy here and want to do my job as best I can."

Benitez remains a highly respected coach around Europe, despite Liverpool's problems this season.

The club have been knocked out of both the Champions League and the FA Cup and face a battle to secure a return to Europe's elite competition next season by clinching a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Benitez, who is under contract at Anfield until 2013, has vowed to ensure that goal is achieved and Liverpool's recent form -- three wins and two draws in their last five league matches -- has been encouraging.

But a section of the Liverpool support has already lost patience with the manager and, if the top-four place is not delivered, the club's American owners will come under increased pressure to sack him at the end of the season.

There is also a school of thought that Benitez, a fluent Italian speaker and a friend of Juventus director Roberto Bettega, may simply grow tired of Liverpool's boardroom politics, his strained relationship with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and criticism from fans and former players.

And there certainly seemed to be a feeling of being under-appreciated as he mused on the reasons why Juve could be interested in him.

"Juventus is a big club, we have played against them in the Champions League and they know Liverpool are a top side," he said.

"They know it is not easy to do well always in a top side so it is a question of professionals who know the market, they know the managers and how to find someone good enough for them.

"But again I say, I am proud but I'm also really proud to be here. I am really happy here and want to do my job as best I can."