Xabi Alonso makes feelings on Liverpool clear as he sidesteps question on future
Xabi Alonso spent five years at Liverpool as a player - and was hotly tipped to become the manager, only to rule himself out of contention to replace Jurgen Klopp
by Chris McKenna · The MirrorXabi Alonso insists he’s no time for sight-seeing in Liverpool as he looks to hand his former club their first defeat in Europe this season.
The former Reds midfielder is back as Bayer Leverkusen boss for the crunch Champions League clash 15 years on from leaving Anfield to join Real Madrid but refused to be drawn into making it an emotional return.
Alonso, 42, was heavily linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp as manager here but was never seriously in the running as he had no interest in leaving the Bundesliga club.
But while he talked about winning the European Cup in Istanbul being his favourite moment from his time here between 2004 and 2009, he is adamant this is not a trip down memory lane.
He said: “Maybe I can go for a little walk or run but there is no time for tourism. I loved the city very well but I’ll focus on the game and the game only.”
Alonso was part of the famous Reds side which came from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties and win the European Cup in 2005 with Alonso scoring the equaliser.
He said: “Even after almost 20 years they remind me of that, they ask for that night, for that miracle. We started something special here in 2005, to win against Milan was fantastic memories. It was an iconic moment.”
Liverpool did not make a move for Alonso to replace Klopp because he had made it clear he was not ready to leave Leverkusen. His focus was on winning the Bundesliga last season in a campaign where they claimed their first title and a domestic double as they went unbeaten in Germany.
The Spaniard said: “At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the players and we were really focused on that.”
And he side stepped questions yesterday on the chance of returning to Liverpool one day as a manager with his focus on ensuring Leverkusen end the Reds’ perfect start to the Champions League campaign.
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“Let's talk about the game, it's more interesting than my future,” he said. “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 and the Champions League.
“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.”
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