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XABI ALONSO has been reassured he remains an integral part of Rafael Benitez’s plans.
Alonso was surprisingly dropped to the bench for the Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Chelsea at Anfield last week.
The 26-year-old, who had previously started all of Liverpool’s key games under Benitez when available, was usurped from central midfield by Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard.
It sparked fresh rumours of a move away from Anfield, with Barcelona known suitors of the Spain international.
While Alonso eventually played a part in helping Liverpool seal a place in the Athens final against AC Milan by scoring in the penalty shoot-out against Chelsea, a fit Momo Sissoko didn’t even feature among the substitutes.
But Benitez reckons both midfielders accept the competition for places and will play a part for Liverpool next season.
“I think Xabi understands,” said the Liverpool manager. “The players they know me.
“They know I can change one or two players but that doesn't mean I am disappointed with them.
“I was talking with Sissoko. The last two or three weeks he has had more problems because Mascherano was playing well and Gerrard was in the middle.
“I said to him it was not a problem because we will play 60 games next season and we need a lot of good players. We have injuries also.
“All the players must be a little bit disappointed if they don't play, but they need to have respect for their team-mates. Xabi is a good professional and it is not a problem.”
Both Alonso and Sissoko started last Saturday’s Premiership visit to Fulham, where a much-changed Liverpool were beaten 1-0.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have eased fears over Pepe Reina’s availability for the Champions League final on May 23.
The goalkeeper, the hero of last week’s semi-final win, sustained a shoulder injury at Craven Cottage on Saturday but will be fit for Sunday’s final Premiership game of the season at home to relegated Charlton Athletic.
XABI ALONSO has been reassured he remains an integral part of Rafael Benitez’s plans.
Alonso was surprisingly dropped to the bench for the Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Chelsea at Anfield last week.
The 26-year-old, who had previously started all of Liverpool’s key games under Benitez when available, was usurped from central midfield by Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard.
It sparked fresh rumours of a move away from Anfield, with Barcelona known suitors of the Spain international.
While Alonso eventually played a part in helping Liverpool seal a place in the Athens final against AC Milan by scoring in the penalty shoot-out against Chelsea, a fit Momo Sissoko didn’t even feature among the substitutes.
But Benitez reckons both midfielders accept the competition for places and will play a part for Liverpool next season.
“I think Xabi understands,” said the Liverpool manager. “The players they know me.
“They know I can change one or two players but that doesn't mean I am disappointed with them.
“I was talking with Sissoko. The last two or three weeks he has had more problems because Mascherano was playing well and Gerrard was in the middle.
“I said to him it was not a problem because we will play 60 games next season and we need a lot of good players. We have injuries also.
“All the players must be a little bit disappointed if they don't play, but they need to have respect for their team-mates. Xabi is a good professional and it is not a problem.”
Both Alonso and Sissoko started last Saturday’s Premiership visit to Fulham, where a much-changed Liverpool were beaten 1-0.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have eased fears over Pepe Reina’s availability for the Champions League final on May 23.
The goalkeeper, the hero of last week’s semi-final win, sustained a shoulder injury at Craven Cottage on Saturday but will be fit for Sunday’s final Premiership game of the season at home to relegated Charlton Athletic.
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