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Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images
Ex-Red Xabi Alonso was linked with the manager’s job last season and now returns with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso is bringing Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield as manager of the defending Bundesliga champions. It’s arguably the headling game of matchweek four in the Champions League, even leaving aside Alonso’s status as a Liverpool legend.
Even leaving aside, too, that Alonso chose to stay at Leverkusen for the 2024-25 season despite a widespread belief that the Liverpool job was his at the end of last season had he wanted it. Though it’s perhaps no surprise his recent past—and what his future might hold—were key talking points at his pre-match press conference.
“Let’s talk about the game tomorrow, it’s more interesting than my future,” was his response when asked about his decision to stay at Leverkusen and what might happen next summer. “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 as well as in the Champions League. It’s a good squad, a good coach, and at Anfield it’s a big challenge.”
There have also been some big changes to the club and Anfield since Alonso played orchestrator in midfield for the Reds back during the Rafa Benitez era, too, from a stadium that has undergone multiple expansions to a squad recognized as one of Europe’s very best and expected in the league title mix most seasons.
Alonso says he’s certainly noticed those changes—not that he has time to play tourist. There is, after all, a game to try to win. Something he knows well will be difficult at Anfield after his years at the club and his experience of its European nights as a player.
“It feels great to be back after a few years,” he added. “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.
“I am not thinking that much about me, though. I am thinking more about how to prepare my players for the game. I might think about my memories when I go for a walk or a run tomorrow. I know the city, I love it and I still have friends here. But I don’t have time for tourism.”
