I want Alonso to stay - Benitez

Mon, 03 Aug 08:25:47 2009

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has reiterated he does not want to lose Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

Reports have indicated the Spanish giants are as keen as ever to sign the midfielder.

But Benitez, speaking after last night's 3-0 pre-season friendly defeat against Espanyol, said: "He is our player and we want him to stay."

Former Chelsea forward Ben Sahar scored twice against a strong Liverpool team, captained by influential midfielder Steven Gerrard.

Alonso came off the bench for the closing minutes and it remains unclear whether he will start the season with Liverpool.

Benitez brushed off the setback of losing in a match which was set up to officially open Espanyol's new stadium.

The Spaniard added: "Nobody likes losing like that, but it's pre-season so it doesn't matter. I'm not worried about it."

Asked if Javier Mascherano, who has been linked with Barcelona, will leave, Benitez said: "No."

 

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  1. mmmooose you remembered us all...how fu.kin sad r you­ ..hahaha..still readin scrips r ya,,ha

    From johnsack27, on Mon 3 Aug 1:42PM

  2. Pre season..... If alonso wants to go we should let him­ go.

    From Mark, on Mon 3 Aug 11:11AM

  3. Reports in Spain today claim that Liverpool have­ indicated to Real Madrid that both Manchester City and­ Inter Milan have made cash bids higher than those of­ the Spanish giants.

    From Danny J, on Mon 3 Aug 10:48AM

  4. Reports in Spain today claim that Liverpool have­ indicated to Real Madrid that both Manchester City and­ Inter Milan have made cash bids higher than those of­ the Spanish giants.

    From Danny J, on Mon 3 Aug 10:48AM

  5. #1, change the record!

    From peter.sarah, on Mon 3 Aug 8:50AM

  6. Its pre-season - who gives a cr@p...!!!

    From frankrogers_uk, on Mon 3 Aug 8:15AM
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