Dirk Kuyt shrugs off Rafael Benitez speculation at Liverpool

Dutchman focused on winning football matches...

31 Jan 2010 14:16:00

By Zack Wilson

More On :  Liverpool, Dirk Kuyt
EPL: Dirk Kuyt, Liverpool v Tottenham (Getty Images)
Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt insists that the players at Anfield are not letting the growing speculation surrounding the future of manager Rafael Benitez at the club to affect their concentration.
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The Spaniard has been heavily linked with taking over as coach at Juventus in the summer, but Kuyt insists that it is vital that the squad stay focused on claiming a top four finish this season.

The Reds beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 yesterday with Kuyt scoring their first and the Dutchman is keen for that kind of form to continue.

"To be honest we just focus on football and not other things outside the pitch," he said, according to Press Association Sport.

"As far as I know there is no doubt. I've not heard there is any trouble or indication the manager could leave so if that is not happening we just want to play football.

"When the results are no good everyone in the team gets stick.

"Because you play for Liverpool you should always play for trophies and be challenging for the league.

"When things aren't going the way you want these kind of things come up in the press and people talk about other things than football."

Kuyt is pleased that Benitez's side seem to be recapturing some form and confidence as we head towards the business end of the season.

"It is getting better and better," the 29-year-old affirmed.

"We knew at the start of the season we had lots of quality in the team but things didn't happen the way we wanted them to but that is behind us now.

"Confidence is really important and it is something we didn't have a couple of months ago.

"But you can see as soon as the goals are coming the confidence is coming back as well.

"For me the main thing is the team. As soon as the team is playing well my own performance will get better as well.

"If you ask all the players if they were satisfied with the performances they gave in the first half of the season I don't think anyone would have been happy.

"If you look at the [Premier League] table and you have been kicked out of the Champions League you can't be happy.

"You have to work really hard to come back. I am very happy to score a couple of goals and be important for the team but I'm sure everyone will start to play better.

"The main thing is we all stick together and work hard and that is paying off now."

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