I'm not kidding - Benitez will not wait for new dad Xabi

In a row that will increase tension between the pair and could hasten Alonso's Anfield departure, the Liverpool midfielder insisted on staying behind instead of boarding the flight for Tuesday's Champions League tie with Inter Milan.

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It is understood that he was convinced he would be allowed to link up with his team-mates once partner Nagore had given birth on Merseyside.

But, on a day of increasing boardroom turbulence involving Dubai International Capital's bid for the club, Benitez's ruthless streak came to the fore as he announced that Alonso would not be travelling. He added: 'He wanted to come out here but only if everything was okay.

'We could not wait and had to make a decision. You cannot wait and wait and wait for any player. There comes a time when you have to decide and make use of your squad.'

Alonso only recently returned to Liverpool's starting line-up after falling out of favour earlier in the season and now looks to have tested Benitez's patience once too often.

Benitez had underlined his single-minded approach when he chose not to return home to Spain after his father died in the middle of the 2005 World Club Championship in Japan.

He could hardly conceal his irritation as he described how he failed to convince Alonso to catch Monday's 10am departure from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.

He said: 'When you cannot change anything in a situation like this, the most important thing is to think about the other players.'

Tom Hicks had earlier called off talks with DIC, who were closing in on a 49 per cent stake, with Hicks buying the other one per cent from co-owner George Gillett to retain overall control.

But Texan Hicks, 61, said: 'DIC made it clear that if they invested in the club, they would want it managed by committee.

'Based on my 13 years as an owner of professional sports teams, and based in particular on Liverpool's situation over the past year it is clear to me that such a committee approach would not be in the best interest of the club or of the club's loyal and passionate supporters.'

DIC may now retaliate by making a formal bid for Gillett's entire 50 per cent holding.

That would leave Hicks 90 days to match it or reluctantly accept the Dubai group as equal partners.