Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are the guests on Tuesday night, and the previous Crimson made his impressions of the modifications at Anfield recognized – and he’s, rightly, impressed.
Alonso was closely linked to taking the helm at Anfield within the wake of Jurgen Klopp‘s departure however pledged his dedication to Leverkusen in March throughout what was a historic season.
Understandably then, he swerved a couple of questions from Merseyside reporters on whether or not he ever severely thought of returning to the membership as supervisor throughout his press convention on the eve of the Champions League conflict.
The Spaniard did, nevertheless, touch upon the way it feels to be again within the metropolis he known as residence from 2004 to 2009, particularly making point out of how the membership has developed in recent times.
“It feels nice [to be back in Liverpool] after a couple of years. To be again right here is at all times particular,” he mentioned.
“You discover the event of the membership, I see the brand new Anfield Highway Stand – it appears fairly superb.
“For positive, tomorrow we now have an enormous sport coming right here within the Champions League towards Liverpool. They’re in an amazing second. It may possibly’t get significantly better than that, we’re trying ahead to tomorrow.”
It was not exhausting to see Alonso’s attachment to the membership, however he was desirous to redirect consideration again to Leverkusen’s assembly with Liverpool when any questions strayed past the 90 minutes.
“Let’s discuss in regards to the sport tomorrow, it’s extra attention-grabbing than my future,” he insisted. “Now we have an enormous one with nice gamers from each side. That’s what’s in my head.
“For us, it’s a massive problem to come back right here. In all probability Liverpool for the time being is without doubt one of the finest, if not the very best, groups in Europe.
“They’re exhibiting that within the Champions League, in a really sturdy Premier League, good squad, good coach and taking part in at Anfield is an enormous problem, however all of us are trying ahead to it.”
After all, there was time for Istanbul
Alonso performed 210 instances for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009 and lifted a complete three trophies, however even he may acknowledge his standout reminiscence is just not “very unique” – who can blame him!
“I’m not going to be very unique, even after virtually 20 years,” he mentioned after being requested to reminisce on his finest second. “They keep in mind us for that evening, for that miracle.
“That was the start of one thing nice that we began in 2005. What we did towards Milan was unbelievable recollections.
“I discuss a bit bit, however not an excessive amount of as a result of I like to speak extra about our factor now however, for positive, Istanbul is the enduring second for me.”
We’ll by no means tire of listening to that. See you at Anfield, Xabi!
