Benitez remains silent over Alonso’s future

Rafael Benitez remained tight-lipped when asked if Liverpool’s 5-0 win over Singapore represented Xabi Alonso’s last appearance for the Reds.

The Spain midfielder, publicly courted by Real Madrid all summer, came on for the final 13 minutes for his first pre-season appearance.

Benitez has repeatedly stated his intent to keep Alonso at Anfield but when asked if the player would still be in England next season, he felt the question would be better directed at the 27-year-old.

“It’s a question that you have to ask him,” he said.

“Honestly, we’ve been talking about this for two months but I think that it is a question for him and not for us.

“He has three years on his contract and we know he is a great player – that’s why we signed him and renewed his contract. So you have to ask him.”