“Xabi knows he needs to work harder if we wants to have a place in the team," the Spaniard told the club's official website.

The 26-year old midfielder had just recovered from a long-term injury that kept him sidelined for more than 3 months. But he failed to regain his place and became Rafa's fourth choice in central midfield after Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Lucas.

“When you are not 100% fit, you want to play every game because you need to play more games to build up your fitness."

“But if Gerrard, Mascherano or Lucas are playing well, it means there is competition for places which is good for the team," concluded the Liverpool boss.

Xabi joined the Reds in 2004 for 16m euros coming from Real Sociedad.