Benitez shifts focus back to title race

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Their first opportunity to build on last weekend's outstanding victory at Manchester United will be when Aston Villa - who are still fighting for a Champions League spot - visit Anfield on Sunday.

"I am really, really pleased. We have been talking about things for a long time, so it is good that it's been finalised and we can finish with the talks. Now we can start working with everything sorted," said the Liverpool boss who signed a five-year deal. "It was a distraction in every single press conference because I was asked the same question. I was trying to concentrate on football and I think we were doing well."

He can expect a rapturous reception from fans overjoyed by not only the win at Old Trafford but also the mauling of Real Madrid.

Benitez believes everyone can now concentrate on the prospect, however small, of catching United at the top of the table.

"For players, it is important because they want to know who the manager will be. The fans do also," he added. "Players need to know who the manager will be, then you can start working.

"I did not believe I would be here this long when I arrived. Five years in Spain is a long contract, so 10 years is very, very long. I say again, I am really pleased because it means we have improved things and we can still improve.

"It is difficult to explain. I am so pleased and happy to be staying. If I can be here 10 years then I will be one of the happiest managers in the world."