DURING Thursday’s tense Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, many thoughts were concentrated on whether a fixture at Anfield would soon be taking flight.

Sadly, nobody is really quite sure what happened to the magpie. But the growing suspicion is that Rafael Benitez’s tenure at Liverpool could be drawing to a close.

Exit to Atletico ended hopes of a silver lining to a tortuous campaign and served to turn the spotlight once again on the beleaguered Spaniard.

From title challengers barely 12 months ago, Liverpool have slipped so far out of the picture that, with two games left to play, they still do not even have the guarantee of European football next season.

Guarantee is a word that may well come back to haunt Benitez. The Spaniard famously stated Liverpool would finish in the top four earlier this season, a hope that is likely to be soon extinguished even if title-chasing Chelsea are vanquished tomorrow.

In light of speculation linking him with Juventus, Benitez said earlier this week he had not received any assurances from the Anfield hierarchy over his future at the club.

The manager then refuted suggestions that Liverpool’s capture of highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder Jonjo Shevley from Charlton Athletic was an indication of his long-term intentions.

Is Benitez playing a dangerous game with the club’s board? Possibly.

His displeasure at broken promises over new investment is well known, and while few would take issue with such frustration, there are those who reckon that, after six years at the helm, his tenure has reached the end of its natural course.

Benitez revealed yesterday he only signed his five-year contract 12 months ago because of the overwhelming backing of Liverpool supporters.

But when probed on his plans for the summer yesterday, Benitez could not guarantee those fans whether he would be at Anfield, Turin or elsewhere for the start of next season.

Press: You said you wanted assurances. The fans chanted for you again on Thursday night, and they want to know your plans. Do they not deserve clarification the same way as you do?

Rafael Benitez: At the moment I cannot talk about the future long term because I think we have to focus on the games we have left.

P: Is that because you don’t know what the future is for you?

RB: I know the future very well and it is Chelsea, that’s it.

P: What do you want next season? Do you want to be at Liverpool?

RB: I want to win against Chelsea and then Hull, that’s it.

P: In an ideal world, where would you find yourself next season?

RB: I will not talk too much about an ideal world. The situation is the situation that we have and Chelsea is the target.

P: Juventus are saying you will be there next season. Is that wrong?

RB: I am here now and hopefully I will be here on Sunday against Chelsea.