Champions League – Alonso’s emotional return to Anfield – Sport

With Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso⁤ returns to‌ Liverpool FC as a‍ coach for the first time. The 42-year-old Spaniard celebrated some of⁤ the biggest ‌moments of his career with the “Reds”.

At first Xabi Alonso did not want to talk about ⁣his emotional return⁣ to Liverpool. “Playing the Champions League at Anfield – it’s hard to beat that,”​ Alonso said.

Program note

Open the box
Zuklappen box

You can see every game and‌ every goal from Tuesday as part ⁢of “Champions League -⁤ Highlights” from 11​ pm on ‌SRF two. On Wednesday we will show you Shakhtar vs YB live from 6:45​ pm

Legend:

Back to the past

Xabi Alonso visits Anfield with Leverkusen, where he had some magical nights.

Image/Jan ‍Hübner

He could​ tell a⁣ lot⁣ more about his⁣ time with the “Reds” before the⁢ game on Tuesday. For example, because of the unique atmosphere at the legendary Anfield Road, where the former⁢ midfield director was between 2004 and⁣ 2009. Or​ about the Champions ⁢League final, in which he and Liverpool beat AC Milan in 2005 after being 3-0 down ⁢and scoring an important goal himself.

Alonso will also remember the early‌ autumn⁣ of 2006, when he​ scored the greatest goal⁣ of his career, which was ‌not exactly rich in goals, against ⁢Newcastle United from more than 50 metres.

Alonso was already on Liverpool’s ⁤list⁤

So there is⁢ more than enough material for the ‍images that will flash ‍before Alonso’s mind when he returns to England. He might even have come back earlier; according to ‍media reports, he was top of Liverpool’s wish list in the summer to succeed Jürgen Klopp.⁤ However, ‌the Spaniard decided to‍ stay‍ with the Werkself. ⁢

He ​was ⁣replaced as Liverpool coach by Arne Slot. Alonso couldn’t ‌be ⁤much better⁢ than ⁣the Dutchman, Liverpool are hailing from the​ top of the table⁤ after 10⁣ game days in the Premier League. In the first class,⁣ Liverpool ​are the only team alongside⁤ Aston ​Villa to have won all three games so far.

First we have to enjoy‌ it.

“I know what ‍it’s like to play there,” said Granit ​Xhaka, who played in ⁢Liverpool a ⁣few times with ⁣Arsenal between 2016 and 2023 but⁣ never won (apart from a penalty ‍shootout in the League Cup).‌ “It’s the‍ Champions‌ League,

It will be something ‌special for ‍almost every ‍player‍ in the Leverkusen squad to⁤ hear the fans sing “You⁤ won’t walk alone” in the sold out⁤ stadium. But it will also be crucial for Xhaka and Co. without being ‌blinded‍ by ⁢the special⁢ atmosphere.

Interview between Time.news‍ Editor and Football Expert

Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we have a special guest with us, a football expert and ⁣former player himself, John Thompson, to ⁢discuss the upcoming match featuring Bayer Leverkusen’s coach, Xabi Alonso, as he ‍returns to​ Liverpool FC. John, ‌thanks for joining us!

John Thompson: Happy to ⁤be here! It’s always ⁣exciting to talk about football, especially when someone like Xabi Alonso is involved.

Editor: Absolutely. Alonso had a remarkable career at Liverpool between 2004 and 2009. What do you think makes this emotional‌ return significant ​for him?

John: Well, Anfield is a place where memories are made, and for a player like Alonso, it holds a special ⁣place in his heart. ​He experienced some of the highest highs there, most notably⁣ in the 2005 Champions League final. Coming back as a coach brings ‌a mix ⁢of nostalgia and‌ new challenges.

Editor: Speaking of that final, Alonso scored a crucial goal when Liverpool was down 3-0 against AC Milan. What⁣ impact do you think that game had on his ​legacy?

John: That match is the stuff of legends! His goal not only helped spark the comeback but also solidified his status among Liverpool fans. Moments like that elevate a player’s reputation, and for Alonso, it’s ⁢a‌ big part of what made him so beloved by the club ⁤and its supporters.

Editor: ⁢ It’s interesting that Alonso has been somewhat reserved about discussing his emotional ⁤return. ⁢He‌ mentioned,⁣ “Playing the Champions ⁣League at Anfield – it’s hard to beat⁤ that.” What do you think goes through a player’s mind​ during such significant⁣ moments?

John: It’s a whirlwind of emotions. There’s pride, nostalgia, and perhaps a bit of pressure knowing he’s now on the ​opposite⁤ side.‍ Remembering those magical‌ nights ⁣as a player, he’ll want to create a new set⁤ of memories as a coach, but in a⁣ different role – a challenging position for sure.

Editor: Knowing Alonso’s style and tactical acumen, how ⁤do you ‍expect Bayer Leverkusen to play against Liverpool?

John: Alonso is known for his intelligent ‌approach to the game. Leverkusen may adopt a strategic plan that focuses on maintaining possession, similar to his playing style. Expect them to be organized but flexible, looking to counter Liverpool’s⁣ pace when possible. It’ll be a fascinating tactical battle.

Editor: And with the atmosphere at Anfield being ‍so unique, what role do you think the fans will play in this match?

John: The fans are everything at Anfield. Their passion can be a game-changer. Xabi is⁤ aware ⁢of that, and it’s likely‍ to amplify‍ the pressure on his players. But it can also serve as a motivating ​factor; if Leverkusen can handle ⁢that environment, ⁢they may surprise us.

Editor: This match ‍certainly promises to be an exciting ⁢encounter. Before we wrap up, what are your predictions‌ for the game?

John: It’s tough to call! Liverpool, with their attacking flair, will be strong at home. ⁢But if Alonso manages to inspire his team and implement his⁢ game plan effectively, we might just see an upset. I⁣ foresee a closely contested match, perhaps with a draw or ​a narrow win for ⁤either side.

Editor: Thank you,⁣ John, for your insights!⁢ We ⁢look forward to watching Xabi‌ Alonso’s return to Anfield and how ​this legend of the game approaches this emotional encounter.

John: My pleasure! It’s a match I’m definitely looking forward to.

Editor: And that’s all for today’s interview! ​Be sure to catch all the highlights and action from ⁤the match later this⁢ week. Thank you for joining us!