“I think a lot of the stuff this year has been based on speculation with Valdes going, or possibly going, and there have been links they will be in for another keeper,” said the Liverpool boss.
“His dad has also said some things. But I see him as someone who is hopefully going to be here. He is 30 years of age and is someone who looks after his body.
“Pepe and I speak a lot. He’s a good man and I’ve got real respect for him as a player and as a human being.
“He understands everything we are trying to do here and is a great voice in the little debriefing meetings we have with the group and with the defenders and other goalkeepers.
“He’s brilliant. And on a personal level we’ll sit and have a cup of tea in the office and we’ll chat about where he’s at with his game and how he can improve his game.
“He has never been unsettled and our relationship is very strong. I have given him and a few of the senior boys real responsibility and I think they have enjoyed that.”
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