BENITEZ SET FOR CRUCIAL TALKS

By NBF NEWS

Liverpool Manager Rafael Benit
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will meet with club chairman Martin Broughton this week amid speculation over the Spaniard's position at Anfield.

Benitez, 50, has four years remaining on his contract and has denied reports linking him with Juventus.

'I prefer to talk about football. Managers cannot be talking about the speculation all the time,' he said.

Midfielder Yossi Benayoun has added to the uncertainty around the club by admitting he is unsure of his future.

Sunday's 2-0 loss at home to Chelsea ended the Reds' hopes of a top-four finish and ensured next season will be their first without Champions League football since 2002/03.

The Merseysiders' final chance of silverware was dashed by Thursday's Europa League semi-final defeat by Atletico Madrid – a result that further increased the pressure on Benitez.

A turbulent season has also seen a new chairman arrive, with British Airways boss Broughton appointed by owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks to oversee the sale of the club.

However, Benitez, who has been publicly backed by the new chairman, said: 'I have four years of a contract so we will see.'