Liverpool Football Club News

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Rafa: Mascherano is focused

11 Aug 2009 - 08:55:23

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Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has dismissed suggestions that Javier Mascherano will not be fully focused on the Reds when the new season gets underway.

The Argentina international was linked with a move to Barcelona earlier in the summer and Benitez has admitted that the departure of midfielder colleague Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid may have further unsettled Mascherano.

"Javier knows he is staying," said Benitez. "He has accepted his future is here and that he is going to be a key player for us once more.

"Mascherano is now fully focused on us and what we might achieve together this season, I can guarantee that 100 per cent.

"We've spoken about his situation before and we spoke again.

"Before, it was difficult and he could see Xabi Alonso was on his way.

"There has been a significant improvement in his game over the past 10 days.

"He has been a lot more focused, and we are seeing the real Mascherano again."