Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists that he is glad to not have cashed in on Xabi Alonso during the summer.
Prior to Euro 2008 it seemed a foregone conclusion that Alonso would end his four-year spell on Merseyside to join Juventus, but the knock on effect of the Italians opting for the cheaper Christian Poulsen instead, and Aston Villa knocking back bid after bid for Gareth Barry has resulted in the Spaniard remaining rooted in Anfield.
Internazionale, Arsenal and Fenerbahce are still reported to be interested in the 26-year-old, but Benitez has suggested that he is no longer looking to sell.
"It's simple. He is a very good player who is playing for us and I am really pleased with that," the Reds boss told Sky Sports News.
Benitez was also questioned about whether the league title in now definitely the priority now that their domestic drought has is almost into its third decade, but the Spaniard refused to paint himself into a corner.
"Everything is important," he added. "Europe is important, the Premier League is important, the FA Cup and the Carling Cup, so we will try to win every trophy and you never know.
"We will try to win from the first game and then see the situation. We started really well and finished really well last season.
"Clearly we have confidence in ourselves and have the quality to try to win every game but you never know what can happen in any competition.
"If we can do the same this time then hopefully we will be better in the middle of the season. But we will be working really hard to be as competitive as we can."
Prior to Euro 2008 it seemed a foregone conclusion that Alonso would end his four-year spell on Merseyside to join Juventus, but the knock on effect of the Italians opting for the cheaper Christian Poulsen instead, and Aston Villa knocking back bid after bid for Gareth Barry has resulted in the Spaniard remaining rooted in Anfield.
Internazionale, Arsenal and Fenerbahce are still reported to be interested in the 26-year-old, but Benitez has suggested that he is no longer looking to sell.
"It's simple. He is a very good player who is playing for us and I am really pleased with that," the Reds boss told Sky Sports News.
Benitez was also questioned about whether the league title in now definitely the priority now that their domestic drought has is almost into its third decade, but the Spaniard refused to paint himself into a corner.
"Everything is important," he added. "Europe is important, the Premier League is important, the FA Cup and the Carling Cup, so we will try to win every trophy and you never know.
"We will try to win from the first game and then see the situation. We started really well and finished really well last season.
"Clearly we have confidence in ourselves and have the quality to try to win every game but you never know what can happen in any competition.
"If we can do the same this time then hopefully we will be better in the middle of the season. But we will be working really hard to be as competitive as we can."
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