Milan had most of the luck - Alonso

May 24 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

XABI ALONSO says Liverpool can learn from AC Milan’s powers of recovery as they seek to put their Champions League heartbreak behind them next season.

Alonso, who wasn’t drawn on his own future after the final, says the Italians proved it’s possible to bounce back from demoralising defeat.

“The difference between the teams was the goal in the first half,” said Alonso.

“We had chances to score, but that goal changed things. If we had had the advantage, it could have been different, but they got a lucky goal and that meant we had to push on. We had a lot of possession, but didn’t have many chances to score.

“They had most of the luck, especially with the first goal. Now it’s a bad moment for all of us, but it’s up to us to cope with this.

“Two years ago we were celebrating like Milan, and now it’s a different challenge and we must think about the future. They came back to win the tournament, so we know what’s possible.”

Dirk Kuyt’s late header briefly threatened another improbable recovery, but it proved too little, too late for the Reds.

“When we got one goal back I thought we might be able to come back again like last time, but we couldn’t do it,” said Alonso.

“Now we need to think about next season. Everyone knows we want to be challenging for the Premiership and to do that we must be more consistent.

Rafa, the staff and players will all be looking to the future.”

Alonso is one of those involved in contract talks, but his future has been more ambiguous throughout the process.

Barcelona are understood to be monitoring his situation, but he said he would consider what’s happening over the summer.

“At the moment I’m just thinking the final is just over.,