Liverpool's manager Rafa Benitez has bluntly warned his Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano to put any distractions to one side and recapture his best form for Liverpool, if he wants to extend his Anfield stay.
Benitez revealed yesterday there had been initial discussions about Mascherano's future but made it clear conditions were attached to any promise about renewing a contract that has just over two years to run.
The main one concerns snapping out of his downbeat mood over Argentina's faltering World Cup campaign and forgetting about Barcelona's ongoing campaign to entice him to the Nou Camp.
Mindful that the current European champions have yet to abandon a pursuit that began months ago, Benitez admitted he had personally warned one of their top officials to call off the hunt.
He sees Mascherano as a key presence in Liverpool's midfield but is ready to get tough with the Argentina skipper after sensing he is fretting almost as much as Diego Maradona about the threat to his country's qualification.
Lucas has increasingly been held up as a prime example of the commitment and dedication Benitez is looking for in midfield, and Mascherano will have to follow suit to convince Liverpool's demanding boss he is worth a new deal.
Benitez even suggested Liverpool are owed a debt of loyalty by Mascherano.
He said: 'He has to forget about everything else, like other clubs or the World Cup. It is not easy, but that is where his professionalism has to come through. He has to come back, focus his mind and start thinking about Liverpool.'
Benitez revealed yesterday there had been initial discussions about Mascherano's future but made it clear conditions were attached to any promise about renewing a contract that has just over two years to run.
The main one concerns snapping out of his downbeat mood over Argentina's faltering World Cup campaign and forgetting about Barcelona's ongoing campaign to entice him to the Nou Camp.
Mindful that the current European champions have yet to abandon a pursuit that began months ago, Benitez admitted he had personally warned one of their top officials to call off the hunt.
He sees Mascherano as a key presence in Liverpool's midfield but is ready to get tough with the Argentina skipper after sensing he is fretting almost as much as Diego Maradona about the threat to his country's qualification.
Lucas has increasingly been held up as a prime example of the commitment and dedication Benitez is looking for in midfield, and Mascherano will have to follow suit to convince Liverpool's demanding boss he is worth a new deal.
Benitez even suggested Liverpool are owed a debt of loyalty by Mascherano.
He said: 'He has to forget about everything else, like other clubs or the World Cup. It is not easy, but that is where his professionalism has to come through. He has to come back, focus his mind and start thinking about Liverpool.'
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