 Benitez made eight changes for the FA Cup clash with Luton |
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has again moved to dismiss speculation about his future after his side were held 1-1 by Luton in the FA Cup third round. The draw with the cash-strapped League One club is unlikely to ease the pressure on the Spaniard but Benitez insists he is happy at Anfield.
"I love the club and the fans and want to stay," said the 47-year-old.
"I have two years left on my contract and if I could stay for two years more, I would be very happy."
When quizzed as to whether the club's American owners wanted him to stay, the Reds boss said: "I think so. But every day do I need to ask them that question?
"We are working together trying to improve the squad now and for the future."
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Owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks will meet with Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry on Tuesday in New York to discuss the club's plans for a new stadium.
They are expected to add Benitez's future to their agenda after another difficult week for the Anfield club after three successive winless games.
Administration-hit Luton earned a money-spinning replay on Sunday after John Arne Riise's 76th-minute own goal cancelled out Peter Crouch's opener three minutes earlier.
And Benitez was once again forced to defend his selection policy after picking a side that showed eight changes from their last outing, with Fernando Torres and Jose Reina rested.
He added: "What is my strongest team? Do you think our goalkeeper was troubled too much today?
"When you play Crouch, who is the centre-forward for England, Benayoun, Kuyt and Voronin, who are international players, you give the other team the message that you have a very strong side. The other players were injured.
"I think the team scored a goal and needed to use their experience to control the game.
"But it's the FA Cup. Look at what happened to Everton, Blackburn and Bolton - that's the FA Cup."
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