Reds boss Rafael Benitez says that Jerzy Dudek won’t be leaving Anfield anytime soon. “We are happy with Jerzy and we want to keep him,” said Rafa today.
Reports have linked Dudek with a move to join Portuguese side Benfica in January as part of a deal that would see Simao Sabrosa finally move to Anfield. Liverpool are still after buying the Portugal international, but not with Dudek as a part of a deal.
Earlier in the week Dudek told Polish newspapers that his absence from the Reds first team could scupper his chances of going to Germany for the World Cup finals in the summer, something he wasn’t so keen on letting happen. Jerzy said: “I don’t want to be counting on an injury to a colleague and that places me in a tough situation. I played most of Poland’s matches in qualifying for the World Cup but if I don’t play for my club I could wind up not going to the World Cup finals. For me this would be a disaster.”
It’s no surprise for Benitez to hear a player is unhappy at being left out of the side, and nothing new either, but as Rafa pointed out, it’s up to Liverpool to decide if he’s staying or not: “Most players that do not play for their club want to go, but he has a contract, has to stay and we want him to stay.”
Rafa was also asked about claims from the Real Betis camp that they will be taking French youngster Florent Sinama-Pongolle on loan. He said the claims were false and that the young striker is also staying put: “I have read some of the rumours in the Spanish press and I have to say it is not true. Sinama-Pongolle is not going anywhere. Real Betis do not have any agreement so he stays with us.”
The Real Betis coach Llorenc Serra Ferrer says contrary to reports he’s not asked his president to sign Flo, or Porto’s Helder Postiga. His vice-president at Betis, Angel Martin, had reportedly claimed yesterday that both players had been touted to them: “They are two footballers who have been offered to the club but I don’t believe they are players we need at the moment. I haven’t asked anyone to negotiate their signings.”
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