Xabi Alonso speaks out on Liverpool job links ahead of Anfield Champions League return

Posted Tuesday, November 05, 2024 by Express.co.uk

Xabi Alonso had been linked with the Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to step down as manager.

Xabi Alonso has revealed that he never seriously considered taking over the Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp announced his departure earlier this year. He also believes that his Bayer Leverkusen team will be facing the best team in Europe when they clash with the Reds in the Champions League on Tuesday.

In March, Alonso declared that he would stay at BayArena for the foreseeable future. The Reds later confirmed Arne Slot as Klopp's successor after Richard Hughes, the sporting director, met with the then Feyenoord boss in April.

Ahead of Tuesday's European match at Anfield, Alonso stated that he was never a contender for the position at his old club. He said his focus at the time was solely on winning the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, a feat he accomplished without suffering a league defeat last season.

Alonso remarked on the unique blend present at Liverpool, saying: "I've seen a lot of different things Klopp implemented here but I have followed Slot too, I know his approach but it is combined with the intensity here at Liverpool, they have a nice mixture and that is why they are top of Premier League and Champions League.

"In all areas they are really strong, so the process works really well. The manager has done a fantastic job in three months. Gakpo, Diaz, Tsimikas, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; they have so many options. We have our plan and we will see what happens tomorrow for 90 minutes, we want to be competitive. We'll see."

Reflecting on returning to Anfield, Alonso expressed his excitement: "It feels great to be back after a few years to be back here. It's always special. You notice the development of the club, the new stands look pretty amazing.

"For sure tomorrow is a big game against Liverpool in a great moment, it cannot get much better than that and we are looking forward to it. Let's see, I am not thinking that much [how I will be received]. I am more thinking about how to prepare the game."

When asked about his own future, amid links to Real Madrid, Alosno replied: "Let's talk about the game tomorrow, it's more interesting than my future. Let's talk about the great players on both sides, that is what is in my head. For us it is a big challenge to come here.

"Liverpool at the moment is one of the best if not the best in Europe, they are showing that in a very strong Premier League and the Champions League. It's a good squad, good coach. At Anfield, it's a big challenge. We're looking forward to it, let's see what happens."

Discussing the emotions accompanying his return to his old stomping ground, Alonso shared: "We will see, I will tell you after the game how I feel. There will be a moment for everything but the main thing is not me.

"It's the players, how we deal with the emotions you have in this stadium, they are in a good moment. For us, this challenge against one of the best teams in Europe at Anfield is a great challenge, we have to show our best football, there will be a great energy. Let's see tomorrow and we can talk after the game."

As for his plans outside of football in the city he knows well, Alonso remarked, "I don't have enough time [for tourism]. Maybe tomorrow I will take a little walk or a run but there is no time for tourism. I know the city very well, I loved it but tomorrow I will focus on the game and only the game."

Reflecting on past glories, the Spaniard shared: "It won't be very original I guess, but even after almost 20 years, winning the Champions League, they remind me and us of that, for that night, that miracle and that was the beginning of something great that we started that year.

"What we did against that Milan side was fantastic memories. I talked a little bit about it but not too much because I like to talk about our thing more now. But, for sure, Istanbul is the iconic moment for me."