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.
