We don't rely on Gerrard, says Alonso
Playmaker Xabi Alonso insists Liverpool have no problem winning matches without their inspirational captain Steven Gerrard.
The Spain international has been in inspired form since returning from the broken ankle he sustained against Chelsea on New Year’s Day and has started each of the Reds’ last three games.
He played a pivotal role as Liverpool eased into the Champions League semi-finals with a battling goalless draw in Turin last week – a result gained without Gerrard in the side.
And with the club now gearing up for the first leg of their all-Premiership European semi-final clash with Chelsea on Wednesday, Xabi Alonso believes the Reds cannot rely too heavily on their skipper.
“No team can depend on only one player to help them win trophies and we are no different, even though Stevie is one of the best players in the world,” he told www.liverpoolfc.tv.
“Our performances in this season’s Champions League have proved we have a good all-round team and we have answered all those people who say we rely too much on one player.”
Gerrard was rested as Liverpool re-ignited their pursuit of fourth-placed Everton with a 2-1 win at Portsmouth on Wednesday night.
Fernando Morientes and Luis Garcia netted first-half goals to ensure the Reds remained three points behind their local rivals in the race for the coveted fourth Champions League spot.
Manager Rafael Benitez opted only to use Gerrard as a late substitute at Fratton Park and the team responded by grinding out a result of equal importance to their draw with Juventus.
Gerrard is constantly linked with a summer move to Premiership leaders Chelsea, but the former Real Sociedad star believes the players have proved they can cope without him if he does choose to move away from Anfield.
“I feel that our performance against Juventus without Steven Gerrard proved once and for all that we are not a one man team,” he added.
