Alonso eyes Reds title
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is eyeing Premiership glory.
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is eyeing Premiership glory after rejecting overtures from his homeland as Real Madrid continue to monitor his progress.The Spanish giants are long-term admirers of the cultured schemer and speculation has suggested an offer in the region of £20 million could be lodged.
Reds tactician Rafa Benitez is adamant that any bid will be rebuffed and now his player is clearly singing off the same hymn sheet.
The 24-year-old believes Liverpool, bolstered by what looks to be several astute summer signings, have all the capabilities to launch a long overdue title challenge.
''Like the fans, we believe that this season we can stop Chelsea and take their title,'' Alonso told the Daily Mirror.
''We are going in to the season with the belief that the Premier League and Champions League are both possible.
''That is all I am interested in. I have heard nothing from Real Madrid and my focus is on lifting trophies for Liverpool.
''There is a strong belief around the place that we will be a team to beat.''
Alonso feels that the key to success this season could be getting off to a flying start and with this in mind, he has called for focus from the onset.
''To beat Chelsea we have to match them from the start,'' he added.
''They were hugely impressive in their first games last term, picking up so many points while we managed only one win in our first six, and that is what cost us.''
