Benitez plays down link with Real

[Mac 10 †]

Benitez plays down link with Real 
 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has distanced himself from reports linking him with the Real Madrid manager's job.

Real's decision to sack manager Wanderley Luxemburgo has prompted more speculation that they will turn to the Premiership to find his replacement.

Benitez and Arsenal's Arsene Wenger have been linked to the post before, while Chelsea's Jose Mourinho may also be on the Spanish club's shortlist.

But Benitez said: "I am happy at Liverpool. I have a job to do here."

He added: "I have said this in the past and now I have an important game in the Champions League against Chelsea on Tuesday to think about - and that is all that is on my mind.

"I certainly will not allow this speculation to disrupt my preparation for the game, but as I say, I am happy here at this club."

Other names in the frame include England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and Juventus boss Fabio Capello.

Last week both Wenger and Mourinho denied having any interest in the Real job.

Perez had named Wenger among the managers he rated but the Gunners boss said: "That is very nice of him but until 2008 I have glue on my seat here. My desire is to stay here."

And Mourinho also ruled himself out of a switch, saying: "I would not go if they called me.

"I have four more years at Chelsea and I hope to win enough trophies in that time to see out my contract and maybe longer."

[Sweet & Tender Hooligan]

I heard Alex Mcleish is in the frame.