Juventus give Rafael Benítez ten-day deadline over job

Juventus have given Rafael Benítez ten days to decide whether or not he wants to be considered for the manager’s job at the Italian club when it becomes vacant at the end of the season.

The Liverpool manager is only 12 months into a five-year contract at Anfield, but Juventus are hoping to take advantage of his frustration at the lack of financial backing afforded to him by Liverpool since committing his long-term future to the club.

Benítez would prefer to remain at Liverpool, particularly having secured several of the club’s top stars, including Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina and Steven Gerrard, on lengthy contracts. But Juventus are ready to test his desire to stay on Merseyside by offering the substantial transfer budget that he is seeking, but at this stage seems unlikely to get, from Liverpool.


The ultimatum from Juventus follows a survey in Marca, the Spanish newspaper, that suggested Benítez is the manager most Real Madrid supporters want to replace Manuel Pellegrini, who is expected to leave the Bernabéu at the end of the season.

Benítez topped the poll, marginally ahead of José Mourinho, the Inter Milan coach, with Fabio Capello, the England manager who has twice managed Real, a distant third.

Despite criticism of Benítez mounting during a season in which Liverpool have failed to deliver a title challenge and look likely to lose their top-four status, the club’s hierarchy has shown no indication that it is looking to dispense with his services.

Dunga, the Brazil coach, and Massimiliano Allegri, the coach of Cagliari, are also on the Juventus shortlist and should Benítez not indicate an interest in the job, the Turin-based club are ready to end their interest in him.

Torres could be available for Liverpool’s Barclays Premier League match against West Ham United on Monday after the knee injury that forced him to miss Sunday’s goalless draw with Fulham was described as “not serious” by Dr Ramón Cugat, the specialist treating him in Spain.