Tuesday 16 September 2014 11:35, UK
Napoli boss Rafael Benitez says he is looking ahead and is set to enter talks over a new contract, despite being linked with Newcastle United.
The future of Benitez, who replaced Walter Mazzarri in May last year, had been the subject of much speculation after failing to reach the Champions League group stages this summer.
Talk of a rift with president Aurelio De Laurentiis had also been rife and Benitez emerged as one of the many names linked with the Newcastle job should Alan Pardew leave the post.
But the 54-year-old denied the reports and says he expects discussions to take place about his future with one year remaining on his current deal.
"I have a good feeling with president Aurelio De Laurentiis and I want to underline this because I sometimes hear rumours about an angry Benitez," he said.
"De Laurentiis is a man who is doing a lot for Napoli. Yesterday we spoke a lot about the future and the Super Cup.
"We are working on important planning.
"When De Laurentiis comes back from the USA we will talk about the contract and how the team is growing.
"But now, we must only think about the present."
The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss also believes his squad is in better shape following the summer arrivals of Kalidou Koulibaly, Michu, Jonathan de Guzman and David Lopez.
"I’m sure of this. I say the team is more balanced and more competitive than last year," said Benitez.
"In my opinion, our market has been perfect, following our rules and the Financial Fair Play.
"The president is doing a big job and we signed players we needed in specific roles."
