Xabi Alonso & Javier Mascherano 'Owe' Liverpool - Rafael Benitez
The Anfield pair should show their loyalty, according to Benitez...
10 Jul 2009 08:34:29
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes midfield pair Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano will stay at Anfield this summer simply because they "owe" the club.
Alonso has been targeted by Real Madrid as they launch an assault on the transfer market, los Blancos having already signing Raul Albiol, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Meanwhile, Mascherano is high on Barcelona's hit-list as the Spanish Primera Division winners look to strengthen in order to hold off the challenge from Real this season.
Both players are yet to express a desire to stay on Merseyside, however, Benitez has insisted Liverpool do not intend to sell and wants the middle men to prove their loyalty.
"We signed Xabi when no one knew him, then renewed his contract two years ago and it seemed he was happy," Benitez said.
"With Mascherano, you know the situation, so both players know they owe Liverpool a lot.
"They are players the fans like and they owe us, in terms of loyalty.
"We have to be very clear - we are preparing our squad for next season, not talking of selling players."
******************************************************************************************
***********
Could be good news, but you never know really.... a day before we sold Keane Rafa came out and said we werent going to sell... but anyways..
Dont understand the Alonso part really... when we signed him werent RealMadrid also after him at the time ? What about Rafa wanting to sell him last season ? i'm pretty sure he didnt 'seem happy' then and he doesnt seem happy now..
Anyways would be good if they both stay... just hope everything goes well in the dressing rooms next season if they do... no point in sticking with the players to ensure continuity if its going to cause squad disharmony i guess... if Alonso insists on leaving i think we should look to sell him for as much as we can get... same with Mascherano....