RAFAEL BENITEZ has sent out another clear message that his long-term future remains at Liverpool.
The Spaniard has this week been strongly linked with a move back to his homeland after reports suggested he is the preferred choice of new Real Madrid president Fernando Martin.
Benitez has made no secret of his desire to take over at the Bernabeu at some point during his managerial career, but has previously insisted he wants to at least see out the remainder of his five-year contract at Anfield.
And the news that Benitez is currently attempting to persuade Paco Herrera to stay on at the European Champions further underlines his commitment to the club.
Chief scout and reserve team manager Herrera had always intended to return home to his family in Spain after spending two seasons helping Benitez's rebuilding programme.
But Benitez said: "We are talking about Paco's future because he is an important person for us and he's doing a very good job.
"It's a possibility he will stay, but it's also possible he will return to Spain because his family is there. We are thinking about a possible solution."
Whereas Benitez and his assistant Pako Ayesteran have both brought their families to England, Herrera's have remained in Spain, the chief reason for him signing just a two-year contract.
Benitez is mindful of the critical part Herrera has played behind the scenes, rebuilding the reserve side and helping to provide half of the players who have taken Liverpool into the semi-finals of this season's FA Youth Cup.
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