Benitez - Keane going nowhere

Anfield boss rejects rumours of January sale

Last updated: 8th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Benitez - Keane going nowhere

Benitez: Patient

Keane will be here after the January window, it is not my idea to sell him.

Rafa Benitez
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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez insists he is not set to sell under-fire striker Robbie Keane in the January transfer window.

Former Tottenham star Keane has struggled since a £20million summer switch to Anfield and has scored just four goals this season.

Benitez axed the Republic of Ireland international from his starting XI for Saturday's Premier League victory at Blackburn, sparking rumours of a New Year departure.

But ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League outing at PSV Eindhoven, Benitez has moved to reject conjecture linking Keane with a Merseyside exit.

Future

Benitez said on Monday: "Robbie's future is to be ready, to score goals and to work for the team.

"In football we know we have signed a good player, you cannot guarantee anyone's position. In some games he has to work hard.

"The challenge is there for him. When you sign a player for a lot of money, that is it. He becomes another player in the squad and he has to fight for his position.

"I do not know whether his confidence has been affected, we will see tomorrow.

Character

"Clearly he has to show character, and show you are a good player. When we decide to sign him we knew he was a good player.

"I do not need to talk too much on this. A lot of top clubs have very expensive players, they have four of them on the bench every week.

"He has to know he needs to fight and work hard. But he has a future here, why not?"

Benitez added: "I have a lot of patience, with everybody. He will be here after the January window, it is not my idea to sell him.

"We are always working with the players, explaining and clarifying what they need to do for the team. Robbie is no different."