Champions League: Alonso reflects on expectations at Anfield as Leverkusen faces Liverpool
Spanish coach Xabi Alonso is set to return to Anfield as Liverpool prepare to host Bayer Leverkusen in a UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday.
The Spaniard is adored at Liverpool for his exploits as a player as he won Europe’s biggest competition in 2005, while he was also part of the team that lost the final to AC Milan two years later.
Alonso rejected the chance to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss as he felt it would benefit his career to remain in Germany for another season at least.
Liverpool swiftly moved on to Arne Slot and their decision has already paid dividends, with the Dutchman winning 13 of his first 15 games in charge of the club.
As Alonso prepares to return to Anfield as an opposition manager, he expects a tough game at a stadium he knows quite well…
Liverpool have won each of their first three Champions League games so far and can take a major step towards the knockout stages with a positive result against the reigning Bundesliga champions.
Alonso expects the Anfield crowd to be in full voice as he went on to describe Liverpool as one of the best teams in world football under Slot.
“It’s a huge game. To play in the Champions League at Anfield, it can’t get much better than that,” said Alonso at a press conference.
“The atmosphere is super. They are one of best teams in Europe, they are dominant so it’s a huge challenge, they will make it difficult for us.”
Slot lauded the Anfield atmosphere after Liverpool’s win vs Brighton and called for the home fans to be in full voice for the Reds’ upcoming games against Leverkusen and Aston Villa.
The reigning Bundesliga champions haven’t yet hit the heights of last season as they find themselves seven points behind league-leaders Bayern Munich after just nine league games.
Alonso managed to retain most of his players after winning the double last season, but it hasn’t quite worked out for them so far.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are flying under Slot and will aim to make it four wins from four in Europe to give themselves a fantastic chance of making it through to the Round of 16.
