Rafael Benitez shrugged off Liverpool's 3-0 loss to Espanyol on Sunday - then insisted he wants star midfielder Xabi Alonso to stay at Anfield.

Reports in Spain have indicated Primera Liga big-spenders Real Madrid are as keen as ever to sign the Spain international.

But Benitez said: "He is our player and we want him to stay."

The Reds gaffer saw his side outclassed by Espanyol in a pre-season friendly, with former Chelsea forward Ben Sahar scoring twice against a strong Liverpool team captained by Steven Gerrard.

Alonso came off the bench for the closing minutes and it remains unclear whether he will start the season with Liverpool.

Benitez brushed off the setback of losing in a match which was set up to officially open Espanyol's new stadium.

"Nobody likes losing like that, but it's pre-season so it doesn't matter. I'm not worried about it," he said.

Asked if Javier Mascherano, who has been linked with Barcelona, will leave, Benitez said: "No."