Liverpool's Rafael Benítez admits to Juventus interest

Rafael Benítez has admitted to being aware of Juventus's interest in appointing him as manager and says he is proud to be targeted by the Turin giants. "I know they [Juventus] were interested, that is part of the game now in football," said the Liverpool manager. Juventus today dismissed Ciro Ferrara and appointed the former Milan coach Alberto Zaccheroni until the end of the season, at which point the Bianconeri are likely to turn their attentions back to Benítez . Reports in Italy this week suggested that a Juve delegation had flown to Merseyside in an attempt to convince the Spaniard to leave Anfield in the summer. Despite the speculation over his future, Benítez insists that he remains focussed on tomorrow's home game against Owen Coyle's Bolton. "I am not here to talk about speculation because people talk too much," he said. "I am focused on preparing my team for the game against Bolton. "I know they [Juventus] were interested, that is part of the game now in football, but I am not ready to talk too much because I don't want to lose my focus. When you are a manager and you have clubs asking, you have to be proud because they are a top side in Europe but I am really happy here and want to do my job as best I can."