Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is eager to avoid a repeat of the contract problems that forced him to quit Valencia.
Benitez won a second La Liga title and the Uefa Cup with Valencia in 2004 and had compiled a list of targets including the likes of emerging talents Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba.
But the Spanish boss walked out on the final year of his contract to take charge of Liverpool after broken promises over a new deal.
With 18 months now left on his Liverpool contract, Benitez does not want to walk away from another work in progress.
"I left Valencia because there were problems with my contract and other situations that meant I decided to leave," he told the Sunday Mirror.
"It wasn't my idea to leave because I had a list of names in place that would have improved the team. I believe Valencia would have gone on to win more trophies."
Benitez has led Liverpool to two Champions League finals, winning the top European crown in 2005, and this season the Reds look like genuine Premier League title contenders.
The 48-year-old feels Liverpool are on the verge of creating a dynasty at Anfield and he is eager to commit his long-term future to the club now that co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks claim to have healed their boardroom rift.
"I spoke with George Gillett in London last week but there was nothing about a new contract," Benitez added.
"That is OK because I want to concentrate. But if the owners ask to talk about a new contract that would be good also.
"If not, I will continue to do my job for as long as I can and then we will see. I really want to stay at Liverpool and hopefully in the future the squad will be even better.
"I would like to be here a long time so I am waiting. After improving the squad for the last five years I know we are very, very close to having a fantastic team and I want to be part of their future.
"I am also sure that this Liverpool team, with the staff I have also, will get better every year.
"The contract situation does not put me under more pressure to win either the title or the Champions League because in my mind I am just thinking about winning every game.
"I think we are close to having the team I want, but if I start thinking 'we have to win this trophy' it is possible to lose focus."
The Yanks would want to get there **** together and give him a new deal fast. He seems bullish and we will lose him if they mess him around anymore.
Once he wins one league then alot more will follow I feel.
We have players like Agger and Kuyt who need deals too.
One sad thing is that Fergie wont be around forever and they will be looking for a new manager soon. We would want to tie Rafa down quick or that could be a reality. I cant see them going for Hughes, Bruce, Keane etc.
They will be looking for the very best. I doubt Rafa would go but you just never know in football. The likes of Juve and AC and the Spanish sides will be in for him too.
Benitez won a second La Liga title and the Uefa Cup with Valencia in 2004 and had compiled a list of targets including the likes of emerging talents Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba.
But the Spanish boss walked out on the final year of his contract to take charge of Liverpool after broken promises over a new deal.
With 18 months now left on his Liverpool contract, Benitez does not want to walk away from another work in progress.
"I left Valencia because there were problems with my contract and other situations that meant I decided to leave," he told the Sunday Mirror.
"It wasn't my idea to leave because I had a list of names in place that would have improved the team. I believe Valencia would have gone on to win more trophies."
Benitez has led Liverpool to two Champions League finals, winning the top European crown in 2005, and this season the Reds look like genuine Premier League title contenders.
The 48-year-old feels Liverpool are on the verge of creating a dynasty at Anfield and he is eager to commit his long-term future to the club now that co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks claim to have healed their boardroom rift.
"I spoke with George Gillett in London last week but there was nothing about a new contract," Benitez added.
"That is OK because I want to concentrate. But if the owners ask to talk about a new contract that would be good also.
"If not, I will continue to do my job for as long as I can and then we will see. I really want to stay at Liverpool and hopefully in the future the squad will be even better.
"I would like to be here a long time so I am waiting. After improving the squad for the last five years I know we are very, very close to having a fantastic team and I want to be part of their future.
"I am also sure that this Liverpool team, with the staff I have also, will get better every year.
"The contract situation does not put me under more pressure to win either the title or the Champions League because in my mind I am just thinking about winning every game.
"I think we are close to having the team I want, but if I start thinking 'we have to win this trophy' it is possible to lose focus."
The Yanks would want to get there **** together and give him a new deal fast. He seems bullish and we will lose him if they mess him around anymore.
Once he wins one league then alot more will follow I feel.
We have players like Agger and Kuyt who need deals too.
One sad thing is that Fergie wont be around forever and they will be looking for a new manager soon. We would want to tie Rafa down quick or that could be a reality. I cant see them going for Hughes, Bruce, Keane etc.
They will be looking for the very best. I doubt Rafa would go but you just never know in football. The likes of Juve and AC and the Spanish sides will be in for him too.
That clown Parry should be on top of this but he only looks after himself. Rafa is doing some job when you consider the clowns running our club.
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