Source: Telegraph
Lyon v Liverpool: Steven Gerrard admits side are missing Xabi Alonso
Liverpool captain Gerrard, who is currently injured and misses tonight's Champions League clash with Lyon, forged a good understanding with Alonso in midfield. [LNB]Alonso moved on to Real Madrid in the summer, since when Liverpool have struggled for form in the Premier League and Champions League. [LNB] Related ArticlesBenitez to 'walk through storm'Rafa Benítez lacks striking optionsFive seasons on the brinkLyon facing problems ahead of Liverpool gameLiverpool 'should have signed Nicolas Anelka'Sport on televisionIt was a move which hit Gerrard hard. [LNB]"Devastated, yeah. Devastated. But there was nothing I could do about it," he told FourFourTwo magazine. [LNB]"Xabi said a long time ago that he wanted another chapter in his career and finally he got it and his team-mates and the coaches couldn't stand in his way. We just have to say thanks and move forward without him." [LNB]Liverpool recouped around £30 million for 27-year-old Alonso, and spent most of that on bringing replacement Alberto Aquilani to Anfield from Roma. [LNB]Aquilani missed the first two months of the season due to injury and Liverpool have already lost seven matches. [LNB]Gerrard knew it would take Liverpool time to adapt to life without Alonso, who in a playmaker role had a vital duty in Rafael Benitez's team. [LNB]Gerrard said: "It's always going to be different when you lose one of the best players in the world - and people are finally realising that's what he is, on the back of his form for Real Madrid and the difference in us from last year. [LNB]"We've got other midfielders here doing a good job but it will take a while before Alonso's out of our system because he was such a top player." [LNB]Meanwhile, Andrea Dossena's agent Roberto La Florio has downplayed rumours the left-back is on his way to Napoli.[LNB]"We are waiting for the international break to talk with Andrea," La Florio said.[LNB]"One thing is for sure, we have not made any agreement, but I don't know if the clubs have spoken."[LNB]La Florio claims Dossena, who is recovering from a muscular injury, is ready to leave Anfield.[LNB]"Andrea wants his chance to play at the World Cup. Napoli are doing well and it would be a welcome move for him," he added.[LNB]
