Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are the guests on Tuesday night, and the previous Crimson made his impressions of the adjustments 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 number 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, nonetheless, touch upon the way it feels to be again within the metropolis he referred to as house 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 number 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 seems to be fairly wonderful.
“For certain, tomorrow we now have an enormous recreation coming right here within the Champions League in opposition to Liverpool. They’re in an amazing second. It could possibly’t get significantly better than that, we’re wanting ahead to tomorrow.”
It was not laborious 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 recreation tomorrow, it’s extra attention-grabbing than my future,” he insisted. “We’ve an enormous one with nice gamers from each side. That’s what’s in my head.
“For us, it’s a massive problem to return right here. Most likely Liverpool in the meanwhile is without doubt one of the greatest, if not the very best, groups in Europe.
“They’re exhibiting that within the Champions League, in a really robust Premier League, good squad, good coach and enjoying at Anfield is an enormous problem, however all of us are wanting 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 might acknowledge his standout reminiscence shouldn’t be “very authentic” – who can blame him!
“I’m not going to be very authentic, even after virtually 20 years,” he mentioned after being requested to reminisce on his greatest second. “They bear in mind us for that night time, for that miracle.
“That was the start of one thing nice that we began in 2005. What we did in opposition to Milan was improbable reminiscences.
“I discuss just a little bit, however not an excessive amount of as a result of I like to speak extra about our factor now however, for certain, Istanbul is the long-lasting second for me.”
We are going to by no means tire of listening to that. See you at Anfield, Xabi!
