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Benitez aims to stay at Valencia

May 27, 2004 16:40 IST

Valencia coach Rafa Benitez wants to stay with the Spanish champions despite reports that Liverpool are keen to sign him as a replacement for Gerard Houllier who was dismissed earlier this week.

But Benitez made it clear his future depends on the UEFA Cup holders coming up with a convincing plan for next season.

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"I want to stay on at Valencia because I believe it's a great club," Benitez told Valencia-based Radio Nou on Wednesday. "But we need to talk about the club's plans for the future."

Benitez told Spanish sports daily Marca he was aware of the reported interest from English premier league club Liverpool, but had left it to his representative to listen to any offers.

"Whenever a team, its players and technical staff win titles then they are bound to attract interest from other clubs, but it is up to my representative to take care of all that," he said.

Earlier this week Valencia president Jaime Orti said he was confident Benitez would sign a new agreement to extend his present contract, which finishes at the end of next season.

"Everyone at the club agrees that Benitez should stay here for several more years," said Orti. "We have yet to agree a new deal and sign it but the most important thing is that both parties are keen to come to terms."

Benitez led Valencia to their first domestic and European double this season when they won the Spanish Primera Liga and the UEFA Cup. He had also steered them to the league title in his first year in charge in 2002.

Source: REUTERS
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