Carragher has faith in Benitez staying
Sep 23 2005
By Ken Gaunt, Daily Post
JAMIE CARRAGHER believes manager Rafael Benitez is in it for the long-haul at Liverpool.
Carragher, the 27-year-old England defender, has also revealed he expects the team to be strengthened in January so they can push on for the title.
Benitez has again been linked with a move to Real Madrid following the Spanish giants' poor start to the season.
Carragher is not worried about the speculation, and said: "I don't think it's a bad thing for him (Benitez) getting linked there, it just shows that you've got a good manager.
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"He doesn't have to say anything (about the speculation). We are all sure he's dedicated to Liverpool.
"He's signed a four or five-year contract and has only just started.
"I'm sure he wants to be here for a few more years yet and win a few more trophies."
Benitez insists his only thought at the moment is to improve his team.
"I am very happy here. I am focused on the games we have coming up and I want to win things with my club, " he said..
"I don't want to waste my time talking about other possibilities."
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Liverpool, who face Birmingham tomorrow, would love nothing better than to add the Barclays Premiership title to their European crown.
Chelsea, however, have got off to a flying start in an attempt to retain their grip on the top domestic prize.
Liverpool are unbeaten in four league games and Carragher knows they cannot afford many slip ups.
"Our next aim is the Premier-ship title and I am sure this season and the coming seasons we'll get more quality into the squad, " he added.
"I am sure that's what the manager will be looking to do, starting in January and start challenging the top three to try and win the Premiership title.
"It is something on the list that the players at the club desperately want.
"It is going to be difficult, we are up against some great sides in the Premiership.
"Look at the start Chelsea have made already, it is putting pressure on ourselves, Arsenal and Manchester United.
"We now feel even if we draw a game it's two points dropped rather than a point gained.
"It is tough to catch them, they've set the bar very high and now you can't afford to be losing more than two or three games.
"So it is up to us to keep this unbeaten run going as long as we can."
Meanwhile Benitez has been named Europe's best coach at a star studded ceremony in Italy.
The awards recognised the Liverpool manager's extraordinary achievement in winning the Champions League.
The Italians proved there was no hard feelings about the defeat of AC Milan in Istanbul by rewarding Benitez ahead of their own candidates Fabio Capello and Carlo Ancelloti.
"Its a very prestigious honour and I'm proud for myself, the club, my staff and players. This is a shared award," said Benitez.
