Bayer Leverkusen, managed by former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso, is set to face Liverpool in a highly anticipated Champions League match on Tuesday evening.
Xabi Alonso impressed by “amazing” Anfield development – ‘Great to be back’ As a former Liverpool midfielder, Alonso holds a special place in Anfield history and shared his thoughts on returning to the club, noting the significant changes he observed.
Alonso, who spent five successful years at Liverpool from 2004 to 2009, was at one point widely rumored as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp. However, in March of this year, he committed to staying at Bayer Leverkusen, who were on a record-breaking run under his guidance. Now back on Merseyside, Alonso faced questions from reporters about his Liverpool connections and the possibility of managing the club one day. He tactfully sidestepped such questions, preferring instead to keep the focus on the upcoming match.
Reflecting on his return to Liverpool, Alonso expressed his appreciation for the club’s progress since his playing days. “It feels great to be back in Liverpool after a few years away,” he said. “Being here is always special.” Alonso acknowledged that Liverpool, both the city and the club, had evolved significantly. He recognized Liverpool’s current success and looked forward to the match, saying, “Tomorrow, we have a big game in the Champions League against Liverpool. They are in an incredible moment. It doesn’t get much better than that, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Alonso was determined to center the conversation on the upcoming Champions League clash. He brushed aside questions about his future and insisted that his primary concern was Tuesday’s game. “Let’s talk about the game tomorrow; that’s more interesting than my future,” he said, redirecting attention to the pitch. “This is a big one for us. Both sides have great players, and that’s what’s on my mind right now.”
Alonso acknowledged that taking on Liverpool at Anfield presented a formidable challenge for his team. He praised Liverpool’s current form, describing them as “probably one of the best, if not the best, teams in Europe.” He cited their strong performances in the Premier League and Champions League as proof of their quality. “They have a good squad, a great coach, and playing at Anfield is always tough,” he continued. “But that’s exactly why we’re looking forward to it. We know it will be a challenge.”
For Alonso, returning to Liverpool inevitably stirred memories of his own playing career, and he did share a few thoughts on that remarkable chapter. Between 2004 and 2009, he played 210 games for Liverpool and helped them win three trophies. When asked about his favorite memory, Alonso couldn’t help but mention Istanbul in 2005, an unforgettable night for Liverpool fans. With a slight smile, he admitted, “I’m not going to be very original here, even after almost 20 years. People remember us for that night – for that miracle.”
The 2005 Champions League final, where Liverpool came back from a 3-0 deficit at halftime to beat AC Milan on penalties, remains one of the sport’s most iconic moments. Alonso reflected on that achievement fondly, saying, “That night was the start of something special. What we did against Milan created fantastic memories.” While he briefly reminisced about Istanbul, he preferred not to dwell too much on the past, focusing instead on his present responsibilities with Leverkusen. “I talk a little about those days, but not too much. I like to stay focused on what we’re doing now, but Istanbul will always be iconic for me.”
Xabi Alonso’s deep connection to Liverpool is unmistakable, and it’s clear the club and its fans still hold a special place in his heart. Yet, for now, he remains fully dedicated to his role at Leverkusen. As he prepares to lead his team onto the field at Anfield, Liverpool supporters may find themselves reminiscing about Alonso’s glory days as a player, while eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting clash on the European stage.
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