Xabi Alonso Set for Emotional Anfield Return as Bayer Leverkusen Face Liverpool
Xabi Alonso will set aside the nostalgia of an Anfield return when his Bayer Leverkusen side takes on Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday. Despite his deep connections with the Reds, Alonso emphasized the importance of focusing on the game rather than his personal history with the club.
05 NOV
Alonso's Historic Ties to Liverpool
As a former Liverpool midfielder, Alonso made 210 appearances for the Reds between 2004 and 2009, during which he lifted the 2005 Champions League trophy. His tactical brilliance on the field and integral role in Rafael Benitez's side left an indelible mark on Liverpool fans.
Speculation surrounding Alonso’s potential future as Liverpool manager has been rife, especially after his successful managerial stint at Bayer Leverkusen. However, he opted to stay in Germany while Liverpool appointed Arne Slot from Feyenoord.
Leverkusen's Resurgence Under Alonso
Alonso’s managerial prowess came to light during the 2023-24 season when he led Leverkusen to one of their most remarkable campaigns:
- Bundesliga Champions: Leverkusen ended Bayern Munich's 11-year dominance to claim their first league title.
- Domestic Double: They also won the DFB-Pokal.
- European Consistency: Though they fell short in the Europa League final against Atalanta, their performance throughout the season garnered praise.
While Leverkusen is not replicating those exact heights this season, they remain competitive. They sit fourth in the Bundesliga and sixth in the expanded 36-team Champions League table, having lost just one match across all competitions this season.
Alonso’s Focus on the Present
Speaking to the media, Alonso dismissed questions about his ties to Liverpool and his potential future there. Instead, he emphasized the quality of the players on both sides and the challenge of facing a resurgent Liverpool at Anfield.
"Liverpool at the moment is one of the best, if not the best, in Europe," said Alonso. "At Anfield, it's a big challenge. We're looking forward to it, let's see what happens."
He also acknowledged the emotional weight of his return but stressed that the spotlight should remain on the players and their performances.
Liverpool’s Perspective
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, is enjoying a strong start to the season, having won 13 of their 15 games. Despite some struggles against Brighton in their last Premier League outing, Slot expects a higher level of performance against Leverkusen.
"Football is played in two moments, having the ball and not, and against strong teams – Leverkusen is one – you need to be good on both sides," said Slot.
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher echoed this sentiment, noting the respect for Alonso while emphasizing Liverpool’s goal of ensuring he doesn’t leave Anfield with a victory.
What to Expect
The game promises to be a tactical battle between two in-form teams. Leverkusen’s balance of defensive solidity and attacking fluidity under Alonso will test Liverpool’s high-energy, possession-based style under Slot.
While Alonso’s return adds an emotional subplot, the clash between two top-tier European teams takes center stage, offering a showcase of strategy, skill, and determination.
