Klinsmann was offered Benitez's job

The Anfield boss has sensed for weeks that the axe was hovering and his misgivings seem wellfounded after a remarkable twist to Klinsmann's unveiling as Ottmar Hitzfeld's successor this summer.

According to senior sources at Bayern and the German FA, Klinsmann was presented with a 'detailed offer' to take over at Liverpool and was seriously considering it when the Bundesliga leaders made their move.

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Sportsmail revealed this week how the former Germany coach topped Liverpool co-owner George Gillett's wanted list and was in line to be Anfield's next manager as pressure continued to mount on Benitez.

As Klinsmann faced the media in Munich yesterday, it became clear he could have been heading for Merseyside instead but for topranking Bayern officials hearing of Liverpool's interest and reacting to it swiftly.

Though Hitzfeld is staying until the end of the season, Bayern quickly made contact with Klinsmann at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday and hastily wrapped up a deal with a speed that caught even seasoned Munich observers by surprise. Klinsmann did his best to play down the Liverpool link, but he smiled broadly when asked about any approaches from England. He said: 'There have been offers but I was happy to accept Bayern's.'

Significantly, despite denying reports last November that they had contacted Fabio Capello about taking over, Liverpool simply refused to comment this time, leaving Benitez to ponder how much longer he can stay in a position that is beginning to look untenable.

The absence of another obvious candidate suggests he may be given longer to win over Gillett and Tom Hicks, and he remained defiant as he reflected on the latest uncertainty ahead of today's game at Middlesbrough.

Asked whether he might have expected his American owners to publicly support him after their meeting with chief executive Rick Parry on Tuesday, Benitez said: 'I cannot control everything. If I can prepare the team properly for Middlesbrough and Luton in the FA Cup, and make sure we get the right results, it will be a step in the right direction for me. If we keep doing that every week, maybe it will become easier to find answers to these sort of questions.

'I would rather concentrate my efforts on getting the best out of the players. I have been a manager for 21 years. That has helped me learn to cope with things like this. It has helped me realise there is no problem with my ability, just as there is no doubt about the quality of our squad.

'After so many years at Real Madrid, where second place was a disaster, I know all about the importance of finishing top of the pile — and that is still my aim for this club.'

Benitez yesterday completed the signing of Slovakia defender Martin Skrtel, from Zenit St Petersburg, in a £6.5million deal.