Rafael Benitez has admitted that he would like the chance to coach the Spanish national team but pledged his immediate future to helping Liverpool secure some silverware (Liverpool 10/1 Premier League 2010/11 Outright) next season.
The 50-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer following a trophyless campaign in which the Reds missed out on a top-four Champions League place and lost out in the Europa League semi-finals to eventual winners Atletico Madrid.
However following reports linking him with Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan, Benitez revealed that he has no plans to quit Merseyside at least until the end of his current contract in 2014.
And, as far as his long-term future is concerned Benitez stressed that he would like an opportunity to coach Spain, who go into this summer’s World Cup fancied to take the title (Spain 4/1 Outright Winner) after their Euro 2008 success.
“Right now I have four years left in my contract with Liverpool and I am very happy there,” Benitez told www.as.com.
“But, of course, in a few years, once [Spain coach Vicente] Del Bosque ends his work, I would like to be Spain coach.
“All of the Spanish coaches would like in the future to become national team manager.”
Meanwhile, Benitez has hit back at his critics and suggested that he has become a victim of his own success having guided the Reds to Champions League, FA Cup, European Super Cup and Community Shield glory in his first two years.
He added: “We made a huge mistake, as we won four titles at the start. Then people ask you for more, when in reality in the Premier League it’s assumed that at the start a coach needs time to adapt.
“(Manchester United manager Sir Alex) Ferguson took seven years to win the Premier League.”
Benitez drops Spain hint
The 50-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer following a trophyless campaign in which the Reds missed out on a top-four Champions League place and lost out in the Europa League semi-finals to eventual winners Atletico Madrid.
However following reports linking him with Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan, Benitez revealed that he has no plans to quit Merseyside at least until the end of his current contract in 2014.
And, as far as his long-term future is concerned Benitez stressed that he would like an opportunity to coach Spain, who go into this summer’s World Cup fancied to take the title (Spain 4/1 Outright Winner) after their Euro 2008 success.
“Right now I have four years left in my contract with Liverpool and I am very happy there,” Benitez told www.as.com.
“But, of course, in a few years, once [Spain coach Vicente] Del Bosque ends his work, I would like to be Spain coach.
“All of the Spanish coaches would like in the future to become national team manager.”
Meanwhile, Benitez has hit back at his critics and suggested that he has become a victim of his own success having guided the Reds to Champions League, FA Cup, European Super Cup and Community Shield glory in his first two years.
He added: “We made a huge mistake, as we won four titles at the start. Then people ask you for more, when in reality in the Premier League it’s assumed that at the start a coach needs time to adapt.
“(Manchester United manager Sir Alex) Ferguson took seven years to win the Premier League.”
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