Benitez stays in Japan

Liverpool insist there will be no change to their preparations for the Club World Championship final despite reports that manager Rafael Benitez’s father has died.

A club spokesman would not confirm the death but stated that the Reds will continue their build-up with Benitez in charge as planned.

“The manager has taken training as normal today and we are not anticipating anything will change over the weekend,” said the spokesman.

The European champions take on Sao Paulo in the final in Yokohama on Sunday.