Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool boss Rafa to use Aquilani sparingly during end of season run-in
Limited: Alberto Aquilani[LNB]Rafa Benitez has shown his ruthless side by indicating Alberto Aquilani may have to accept abit-part role at Liverpool for the rest of the season. [LNB]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. [LNB]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. [LNB]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. [LNB]'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. [LNB]'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.' [LNB]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.' [LNB]Benitez reiterated his belief that keeper Pepe Reina and midfielder Javier Mascherano will sign new long-term contracts. [LNB] Deal or no deal: Pepe Reina [LNB]'On Pepe, I am 100 per cent certain he will stay with us, and I'm really confident Javier will, too,' he said. [LNB]Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has urged winger Charles N'Zogbia to use the club's relegation scrap to gatecrash Fabio Capello's squad. [LNB]Martinez said: 'I asked Charles the other day about England and he said he was hoping.'[LNB] Rafa has a go at me to deflect from his own problems, blasts AllardyceI'll quit Liverpool if I have to! Carragher admits Anfield exit could be on cards Carragher's new deal stalls: Liverpool stalwart wants assurances over future Gary Lineker: Don't bank on Rio Ferdinand being captain in South Africa - England's World Cup curse will hit Fabio Capello's planning[LNB]
