Madrid denies offering Benitez coaching job

Real Madrid denied offering its coaching job to Rafa Benitez on Wednesday.

Photo: Madrid denies offering Benitez coaching job

The Liverpool coach said Tuesday he had turned down a more lucrative offer from the Spanish club, saying he was "pleased with everything" in England.

However, Madrid said in a statement on its Web site that it already has a "prestigious" coach in Fabio Capello, who has more than two years of his contract to run.

"Regarding the comments attributed to Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez, Real Madrid's soccer management states it hasn't entered into any negotiations with this professional, nor with any other (coach)," the club said.

Benitez, a former youth coach at Madrid, led Liverpool to the Champions League in 1995, his first season in charge. His team plays Chelsea on April 25 in the first leg of the semifinals in this year's edition.

Spanish media has repeatedly said Madrid is seeking a new coach for next season, the club's seventh since 2003 when it last won a major title.

Under Capello, the team has been eliminated from this season's Champions League and the Copa del Rey, although it retains a chance of the Spanish league title. Madrid is third, five points behind leader FC Barcelona with eight games remaining.