Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow has rubbished speculation that Rafa Benitez’s job may be under threat, adding that he Benitez is at Anfield for the long-stay.

Speaking before this afternoon’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League, Purslow explained that despite a run of four consecutive defeats, Benitez’s job is by no means on the line.

He said, “The most important aspect of the football club I was involved in in my first week in the job was securing Rafa for another five years. You only have to look at the Premier League era and our two major competitors in the last 10 to 12 years to see the benefits of longevity.

“Liverpool Football Club is on a long-term journey and that journey is to be the most successful club, firstly in our country and secondly in the world, and you don’t do that by worrying about short-term results. You do that by having long-term plans centring on the people and the strategy. Rafa Benítez is absolutely central to that plan.

“The core of the team which won 86 points last season remains intact with some excellent additions so I have every reason to believe we can perform at that level this season over the season.”