Alonso opens up before returning to Anfield to lead Leverkusen to clash with Liverpool

• Xabi Alonso admits he is delighted to return to Anfield ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.
• Alonso played for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, becoming a Kop favourite before moving to Real Madrid.

In October 2022, without any first team experience, he was appointed coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

He revived a young team and made a name for himself as a promising young manager, winning the Bundesliga unbeaten and reaching the Europa League final last season.

This summer he was linked with moves to Liverpool and Bayern Munich, but stayed at Leverkusen. The former Spanish midfielder, who is likely to take over at Real Madrid next year, spoke about his feelings ahead of the match at Anfield, both as an opponent and as an alumnus of the club.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has admit. He is delight to be back at Anfield ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.

“It feels great to be back here after so ทางเข้า ufabet many years. It’s always something special. You can feel the development of the club. The new stand looks great,” Alonso said.

“For sure tomorrow’s game will be a big one against Liverpool who are on fire. It can’t get any better than that.”

“However, I don’t think about that (how the Liverpool fans will welcome me). I think more about how we can prepare.”

“When I walk or run tomorrow, I might reminisce about my memories. Know the city well, I love it, and I have some friends here, but I don’t have time to just hang out.”

Alonso play for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, becoming a Kop favourite before moving to Real Madrid.