Jamie Carragher: So Important That Liverpool FC Stick Together

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher insists speculation over the future of manager Rafael Benitez and some of the club’s players come with the territory at Anfield.

On Sunday Benitez issued a strongly-worded statement in an attempt to quash rumours about a summer departure to Juventus, but it has done little to stop the whispering campaign in the Italian media.

Carragher said the squad had to ignore outside influences and just concentrate on extending their six-match unbeaten run, beginning with the Merseyside derby at home to Everton on Saturday.

“Liverpool has always had speculation about managers, players, players coming, players going and it’s the same as managers,” said the defender.

“That’s part of being part of a big club; you always have that type of thing.

“People always want to talk about the club, whether it is positively or negatively, and if you play for Liverpool you have got to get used to that as part of the job.”

The Liverpool vice-captain accepts this season has been difficult, having failed to live up to expectations with early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup and a disappointing Barclays Premier League campaign.

But he said everyone at the club was committed to their remaining targets of securing Champions League football next season and trying to win the Europa League and that the dressing room was fully behind Benitez.

“It has been a difficult season for everyone really, on and off the pitch,” he added.

“The only way we can change that between now and the end of the season is by rallying together, getting together and focusing on what’s important – which is the club – and on the pitch getting the results we need to try and get in the top four and also having a good run in the Europa League.

“So at the moment now I think it is about everyone sticking together.”