Rafa rejects Alonso rumours

Alonso: Remains a key player

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Rafa Benitez has moved to quell speculation that has suggested Xabi Alonso could quit Liverpool in the summer.

The Spanish midfielder has fallen down Benitez's pecking order of late, often having to kick his heels from the bench as Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard have been preferred as a central midfield partnership.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are known to be long-term admirers of the classy schemer but Benitez insists he has no intention of selling his compatriot.

On the contrary, the Spanish tactician has reiterated his belief that Alonso remains a player key to his vision for the future.

Long-term deal

"When you have a big squad, it is impossible to play every game. But Xabi is a key player for us, with quality, and he must compete for his position," Benitez added.

"I was talking with his agent this week, I have also heard the rumours about him going somewhere else. But he is a player we want for us, for our future.

"He must compete for his place. We have four midfielders and it is a position I like to be in.

"He has re-signed a new, long, contract only recently. It is a good contract and he is important for us now and for the future."

Fourth spot

Meanwhile, Benitez has called on his players to build on Tuesday night's impressive defeat of Internazionale and be established in fourth spot before they have to travel to Italy for the return leg.

"We have clear targets. We must progress in the Champions League and we must finish in the top four, now we have as our priority the four league games we play before we go to the San Siro," he added.

"We must be in the top four before we face Inter Milan. That will be a tough game but we will go there with more confidence if we are in the top four.

"The players know that we must take care of the Premier League now. Four games, all very important, are next. If we can go to Milan with four league wins under our belts, things will be much, much better.

"After these next four games I will be able to say whether we are favourites for fourth place. Clearly we have enough quality and confidence, but we know we must do the job properly with so many clubs chasing the same thing."