Benitez relaxed over Reds future

Benitez (right) guided Liverpool to the 2005 Champions League title

Champions League, Group A
Date: Tuesday, 6 November
Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Venue: Anfield
Listen: BBC Radio 5 Live
Updates: BBC Sport website and mobile; Score on BBCi (1930 GMT)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says his job is safe despite the Reds battling to stay in the Champions League and a slow start to their domestic season.

Liverpool are bottom of their Champions League group, having picked up just one point in three games, and seventh in the Premier League.

Benitez insisted Liverpool's owners are remaining "very, very positive".

"I felt they are really focused and supporting so I think the future is great," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

News conference: Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez

If the Reds lose at home to Besiktas on Tuesday, the 2005 European champions will almost certainly be out of the competition.

Defeat would also leave them in danger of missing out on the Uefa Cup spot available to sides who finish third in their Champions League groups.

606: DEBATE What is your view on Rafael Benitez?

Despite the cloud hanging over Liverpool's current form, Benitez pointed to the club's European exploits in recent years.

"Tell me how teams can be in two finals in the Champions League in three years?" he said, insisting co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks share his vision for the club's future.

"They must be pleased with the way the team and the club is going because we are changing a lot of things and I think we are progressing."

And Benitez dismissed suggestions that an early exit from the Champions League this year would cost the club between £17m and £20m.

"That is the money only the finalists get and only two clubs can do that," he said.

"The financial implications in losing are not as big as people suggest.

"But we must think about football first and not to be bothered by other things - that will be taken care of later.

"I have talked to the owners, but not about money, just our ideas for the future."

Defender Jamie Carragher has revealed he feels "it is not a disaster" if Liverpool do not reach the next stage of the competition.

"We can't win all the time," he said. "We have a good record in the Champions League and will look to keep that going.

"We do still want to be in the Champions League. But if it doesn't happen we just have to get on with it."