Ruthless Rafael Benitez?
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Ruthless Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to use big-money Alberto Aquilani sparingly during season run-in
Limited: Alberto Aquilani
Rafa Benitez has shown his ruthless side by indicating Alberto Aquilani may have to accept a bit-part role at Liverpool for the rest of the season.
The £17million signing from Roma has been used sparingly since recovering from an ankle injury and is likely to be on the bench again for tonight’s game at Wigan.
There were no apologies from manager Benitez, however, as he underlined why he cannot afford to give the Italy midfielder time to find his feet.
Liverpool face an uphill battle to pip Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa for the fourth and final Champions League place this season, and Benitez said: ‘Alberto isn’t stupid.
'He knows the priority now has to be the team, and what’s best for everyone. All he can do is keep training and make sure he is ready.
‘I have had a conversation with him ... he knows the situation. Alberto is a very good professional who was a big name in Italy, and he wants to show his quality here.’
Aquilani’s agent Franco Zavaglia said: ‘Alberto made a decision of a lifetime. He’s fine at Liverpool ...next year will be the most important for him.’
Benitez reiterated his belief that keeper Pepe Reina and midfielder Javier Mascherano will sign new long-term contracts.
Deal or no deal: Pepe Reina
‘On Pepe, I am 100 per cent certain he will stay with us, and I’m really confident Javier will, too,’ he said.
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has urged winger Charles N’Zogbia to use the club’s relegation scrap to gatecrash Fabio Capello’s squad.
Martinez said: ‘I asked Charles the other day about England and he said he was hoping.’