Xabi Alonso is bracing himself for the crushing
disappointment of missing out on a Champions League starting spot
in Athens on Wednesday. Alonso has generally been viewed as one of
the central components of Rafael Benitez's Red revolution at
Anfield, so much so that Liverpool's coach felt the presence of his
fellow Spaniard in central midfield was worth shunting skipper
Steven Gerrard to the right wing.
Yet, to many of his players' amazement, Alonso was axed for the
second leg of the semi-final win over Chelsea, a move which allowed
Gerrard to switch inside and partner new-boy Javier Mascherano.
And, while it has been difficult to work out Benitez's plans for
this week's showdown with AC Milan because of the vast number of
changes he has made since the shoot-out success against Chelsea,
the wise opinion seems to be falling on Alonso being consigned to
the bench.
"All the players want to play in the big games and it was the
second leg against Chelsea was a big game not to be picked for," he
reflected. "It is normal to be disappointed in those situations.
"You never know if you will be picked but once you are on the
bench, you have to support your team-mates and be ready to come
on."
In axing Alonso, the normally affable Benitez was emphasising his
ruthless streak. And if the 25-year-old former Real Sociedad star
was surprised by his omission, his team-mates were even more
startled. "That decision proved no-one is undroppable," admitted
John-Arne Riise. "With this manager you never know what he is going
to do. Even if you play every game all season you never know if he
is going to do something surprising. It certainly keeps everybody
on their toes."
Having been such an integral member of the Liverpool side which
fought their way back from the brink of humiliation against the
Serie A giants two years ago, Alonso will expect to play some part
in the game.
