Rafa Benitez insists Xabi Alonso will remain at Anfield beyond this summer.
The 27-year-old’s future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks with Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid all linked with a move for the Spaniard.
Alonso, who is fit to return to the squad for tomorrow’s clash at West Brom, has enjoyed an impressive campaign at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.
And the Reds boss has ruled out sacrificing him to fund any squad rebuilding.
“Xabi has been doing really well this season,” Benitez said.
“He’s a key player for us and with him being fit again it will give us a different option in midfield.
“Xabi has been talking about how he wants to stay here and we certainly want to keep him so I don’t think there will be any problems.”
Meanwhile, Benitez has criticised the Premier League for failing to ensure clubs kick-off at the same time this weekend.
Manchester United need just a point from their home clash with Arsenal today to be crowned champions ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the Midlands tomorrow.
Benitez wants the last two weekend schedules of the season to be played at the same time, rather than just the last day as it is now.
“This is a strange situation, having games so close to the end of the season on different days,” he said. “It is something that should be improved in the future.
“For the last two weeks of the season, teams fighting for the title or to avoid relegation should have their matches all at the same time.
“The last two games should be the same for everyone, in Spain it is like this.”
West Brom, who haven’t beaten Liverpool since 1981, must win tomorrow if they are going to keep their survival bid alive.
Benitez believes Baggies boss Tony Mowbray deserves praise for persisting with an attacking style despite their relegation battle.
“For West Brom it has been very difficult, always fighting against relegation,” Benitez said.
“And it is a pity because they try to play good football.
“You look at some teams at the bottom of the table and they play long ball, physical and a different style.
“It all depends on the players you have.
“It is unfair to criticise Tony Mowbray for trying to play good football.
“Each manager has his own ideas on style, and you have to respect what people do.”
The 27-year-old’s future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks with Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid all linked with a move for the Spaniard.
Alonso, who is fit to return to the squad for tomorrow’s clash at West Brom, has enjoyed an impressive campaign at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.
And the Reds boss has ruled out sacrificing him to fund any squad rebuilding.
“Xabi has been doing really well this season,” Benitez said.
“He’s a key player for us and with him being fit again it will give us a different option in midfield.
“Xabi has been talking about how he wants to stay here and we certainly want to keep him so I don’t think there will be any problems.”
Meanwhile, Benitez has criticised the Premier League for failing to ensure clubs kick-off at the same time this weekend.
Manchester United need just a point from their home clash with Arsenal today to be crowned champions ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the Midlands tomorrow.
Benitez wants the last two weekend schedules of the season to be played at the same time, rather than just the last day as it is now.
“This is a strange situation, having games so close to the end of the season on different days,” he said. “It is something that should be improved in the future.
“For the last two weeks of the season, teams fighting for the title or to avoid relegation should have their matches all at the same time.
“The last two games should be the same for everyone, in Spain it is like this.”
West Brom, who haven’t beaten Liverpool since 1981, must win tomorrow if they are going to keep their survival bid alive.
Benitez believes Baggies boss Tony Mowbray deserves praise for persisting with an attacking style despite their relegation battle.
“For West Brom it has been very difficult, always fighting against relegation,” Benitez said.
“And it is a pity because they try to play good football.
“You look at some teams at the bottom of the table and they play long ball, physical and a different style.
“It all depends on the players you have.
“It is unfair to criticise Tony Mowbray for trying to play good football.
“Each manager has his own ideas on style, and you have to respect what people do.”
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