Source: SKY_Sports
Benitez has Mascherano trust
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez remains confident midfielder Javier Mascherano is completely committed ahead of a Premier League title challenge.[LNB] The Argentina international was a summer target of European champions Barcelona and talks took place regarding a possible move to the Camp Nou.[LNB]Benitez resisted the urge to sell, especially in the wake of Xabi Alonso's £30million switch to Real Madrid, and now believes Mascherano is ready for battle with Liverpool.[LNB]The Reds boss also feels that the 25-year-old is over the disappointment of being denied the opportunity to become a club colleague of international team-mate and Barca star Lionel Messi.[LNB]Speaking about the saga, Benitez - who saw Fernando Torres sign a new contract on Friday - said: "Javier has a very good friend in the national team and that is Messi.[LNB]Tough season"Messi was on to him every day and that is not easy, but Javier knows what we think of him and he will be okay."[LNB]"I talked with Javier, his agent and Barca. It is normal they see him as such a good player, and an option for them.[LNB]"We told Javier he was so important for us and we wanted to keep him. We were not talking about any price.[LNB]"He was a bit disappointed as it was a fantastic opportunity with a big club. But he is happy here, and as a player and a person you can trust him 100 per cent."[LNB]Meanwhile, Benitez is expecting a tough battle for places in the top four of the Premier League this season.[LNB]WorriedThe Spaniard predicts Liverpool's Sunday opponents Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa will all be competing for the UEFA Champions League spots.[LNB]Benitez appreciates why Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes it will be a tough season. [LNB]He said: "We can always talk about the top four, but Manchester City are doing a very good job and have bought some excellent players. I can understand why Mr Ferguson at Manchester United is a little bit worried.[LNB]"Aston Villa and Tottenham have also spent some money, so there will five, six or more fighting now.[LNB]"As for our title chances, the players know we were very close last season and they want to improve. We know what this team can achieve and they will be ready."[LNB]
