Xabi Alonso admits the departure of Liverpool No2 Pako Ayesteran is ‘difficult' to take.
Boss Rafa Benitez had a training-ground row with his lieutenant which ended with Ayesteran leaving.
And his exit was a big blow to Alonso, who is a long-term friend.
Alonso said: "I spoke to him when we knew he was not going to continue. It's normal as we were very close.
"It was difficult for all the players, not just me. We have been working so close to him for a long time. It has not been easy.
"The training has changed a little bit because we had been working for him for three seasons and the start of this season.
"It will take a little bit of time to get used to the new situation because we were really close to him at all the training sessions.
"Time will tell how it goes for us. We can't look back, we have to carry on our early form"