‘No time for tourism’ – Alonso on Anfield return
Xabi Alonso says he will “focus on the game” and not the emotions of an Anfield return when Bayer Leverkusen face his old club Liverpool on Tuesday in the Champions League.
He said “there is no time for tourism” as he batted away multiple questions about his links with the Reds.
Alonso led Leverkusen to one of the all-time great seasons in 2023-24, only losing one game in all competitions.
They won their first Bundesliga title, ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year dominance of the league, as part of the German double – and lost the Europa League final to Atalanta.
Alonso, a Spanish midfielder, played for Liverpool from 2004 until 2009, making 210 appearances – and winning the 2005 Champions League.He was at one stage the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager but decided to stay at Leverkusen, and the Reds hired Arne Slot from Feyenoord instead.
“Let’s talk about the game, it’s more interesting than my future,” he said on Monday.
“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.
“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.”
On the possibility of Liverpool fans singing his name, Alonso said: “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.”
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher said: “I think the fans will give him a great reception, but the focus is on getting a result and making sure he doesn’t go home happy.”Leverkusen are not quite hitting the same heights this season, although they have only lost one game in all competitions. They sit fourth in the Bundesliga and sixth in the 36-team Champions League table.
“Domestically and in Europe last season they were incredible,” said Slot.
“I think this season they are just as good but a bit more unlucky when it comes to results. It’s a big game to look forward to for people who love the game.”
Liverpool have won 13 of their 15 games this season under Slot after fighting back to beat Brighton on Saturday.
“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,” Slot said.
“We were poor on both sides against Brighton. Leverkusen are at least equal to Brighton with the ball. So we need a much better performance than the first half.”
