Jamie Carragher insists speculation over the future of Liverpool FC's manager Rafa Benitez, and some of the club’s players, comes 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.
Liverpool FC defender 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 FC 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 FC vice-captain accepts this season has been difficult for the Reds, having to 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 two targets of securing Champions League football next season and trying to win the Europa League, and that the Liverpool FC dressing room was fully behind Benitez.
"It has been a difficult season for everyone really, on and off the pitch," said Carragher.
"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."
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.
Liverpool FC defender 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 FC 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 FC vice-captain accepts this season has been difficult for the Reds, having to 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 two targets of securing Champions League football next season and trying to win the Europa League, and that the Liverpool FC dressing room was fully behind Benitez.
"It has been a difficult season for everyone really, on and off the pitch," said Carragher.
"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."
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