Liverpool's cup spree is ideal response as Benitez keeps mum over future

• More Premier League news club by club

The Liverpool manager refused to be drawn over Hicks' stunning admission that he and Gillett had presented Jurgen Klinsmann with a 'detailed' contract offer to take over at Anfield.

The Spaniard hardly needed to, though, as a 5-0 FA Cup third-round replay win over Luton was accompanied by sustained vocal support for the manager and banners proclaiming 'Yanks Out'.

Scroll down for more

Benitez said: "I know you have to ask me about what has been reported over the last few days but I prefer to enjoy everything that happened tonight.

"I was not thinking too much about this, I was thinking about the game.

"I'm really happy because we won 5-0 and progressed in the competition."

It was good news for me to see the team playing so well and scoring goals. I'm really pleased to be here and the supporters are always amazing towards me."

Ryan Babel gave put the Reds ahead with a cool finish in first-half injury-time before a hat-trick from Steven Gerrard and a deflected Sami Hyypia effort gave the scoreline a one-sided look.

Of tonight's match, he added: "We knew would be difficult to score the first goal but afterwards it would be an open game. We had a lot of chances and they were really hard with a lot of players behind the ball. We were trying to do our job and they were trying to theirs."

Gerrard hoped tonight's thrashing would refocus attention on to the pitch after this week's controversies.

"It's not just about the hat-trick, the win is the most important thing," he said. "It was important the headlines tomorrow were about football. Every time we've put the TV on we see what's happening off the pitch.

Scroll down for more

"It's not about the manager, its about the team and progressing into the fourth round. We need to keep winning so the headlines are about the football."

Jamie Carragher was captain for the night as he made his 500th appearance for the Merseysiders.

Asked whether he had ever expected to make the landmark, he added: "I never thought that. Even now I don't look too far ahead. You never know what's around the corner."

Luton manager Kevin Blackwell admitted his patched-up side were outclassed but he was proud of the way his players performed against a team he feels could win the competition.

"They were square pegs in round holes but they gave me everything they have got," he said.

"There is no doubt they (Liverpool) have ability in abundance and have done exceptionally well for Rafa.

"It was an awesome team they put out. Clearly they have done a great job for the manager."

Blackwell announced last week he would be leaving the cash-strapped club next month, but despite news of a potential deal to safeguard the future of the Hatters, he insisted he had not thought about changing his mind.

"I don't know what is around the corner. As it is I hope the new owners move in the right direction," he said.