family more important than football
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wth is he thinking???
Alonso misses Inter clash because of baby
MILAN, March 10 (Reuters) - Midfielder Xabi Alonso will miss Liverpool's Champions League match at Inter Milan on Tuesday because his girlfriend is having a baby, coach Rafael Benitez said on Monday.
Liverpool, 2-0 up from the first leg, will also be without right back Steve Finnan through injury but Javier Mascherano is fit to play after recovering from a dead leg.
'Alonso's girlfriend is having a baby so he will not be here,' the Spanish coach told a news conference ahead of the last 16, second leg.
'He wanted to come if everything was okay but we couldn't wait so in the end we had to decide. I cannot wait, wait, wait - I need to use my squad. Mascherano is ok, he is fit and will be here.'
During the news conference, Benitez was informed of reports that Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks had terminated talks with DIC over a stake in the club. Benitez said his side would not be distracted.
'My reaction is trying to score a goal and win the game,' he said. 'We know we can not defend for a long time against a very good team. We need to attack. I have a lot of confidence that we will go forward.'
Last season's runners-up have won five in a row coming into the match with striker Fernando Torres and captain Steven Gerrard in top form.
Jamie Carragher, who may play right back in the absence of Finnan, is also set to become the first Liverpool player to appear in 100 European games on Tuesday.
'We know that Torres is on fire, the understanding with Gerrard is good,' Benitez added. 'Carragher is a player with a good mentality, he is a key player for us now and in the future.'
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dun think he is badly miss. still have kengster rite?
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I think kengster is out favour liao.
As for Alonso, he knows that he will not miss since Liverpool have already the lead.
He have put family over soccer.
I support his decision.
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Kewell .... no rumour of a re-contract ... most likely i'll kick his ass off if i'm Rafa .
KNN Voronin also MIA liao ...
Today vs Inter also never see Crouch .
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Back to the topic , i agree with Alonso to stay at Merseyside .
Nothing is more important than giving support to your wife when delivery time .
It's a bloody once in a life-time event , football everyday can play .
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have you heard our famous quote?
football is not a matter of life and death, it is more than that
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Juz a famous quote , but actually ......... views has changed !!
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Originally posted by Poolman:
Juz a famous quote , but actually ......... views has changed !!
Benitez has always insisted football comes first. During the 2005 World Club Championship in Japan, Benitez stayed with the team when his father died during the tournament. -
Xabi Alonso and his partner ........gave birth to a baby boy Jon Alonso .
Congrats to our Xabi .
