"I have no doubt": Xabi Alonso believes in Wirtz's breakthrough
Tuesday's match (9 p.m. CET, LIVE! on kicker) is a special one for Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, who has a history with Liverpool. The Basque coach also spoke about a possible appearance by former Liverpool player Trent Alexander-Arnold and about his former protégé Florian Wirtz.
Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz won the double together in Leverkusen. IMAGO/Sven Simon
Between 2004 and 2009, Xabi Alonso played for Liverpool FC, winning the Champions League with the Reds in 2005 after an epic final against AC Milan. A return to Anfield is therefore naturally not just another game for him.
"It's always a good feeling to return to a place where you were so loved," the Basque player said at Monday's press conference, adding: "I try not to let my emotions guide me. I don't want them to influence my preparation, and what's meant to happen will happen. It's important to distance myself from the emotions of these games so I can better focus on my tasks."
Besides Xabi Alonso, this is also a special game for Trent Alexander-Arnold , who left his boyhood club for Madrid this summer after 21 years. "To be honest, we haven't talked about it yet. He has to process his own feelings and deal with them in his own way. His story is different; he grew up here. I remember when he came to train with us from the youth academy," the coach said of his current protégé.
Xabi Alonso urges patience with WirtzThe right-back hasn't played since mid-September due to a thigh injury, but was recently back in the squad. "He's doing well. He's available and can play tomorrow. We need him because he has enormous potential. We have to support him and give him the resources he needs to perform at his best," said Xabi Alonso.
Eintracht Frankfurt suffered a heavy defeat at Liverpool yesterday – and after the match, the club's management didn't hold back on self-criticism. For the Reds, however, the victory could mark a turning point after a recent run of poor form – perhaps even for Florian Wirtz personally, who provided two assists. We also discuss the Walther Bensemann Prize and this year's recipient, Jürgen Klopp, in detail.
The coach will not only be reunited with his former stomping ground but also with an old acquaintance with whom he enjoyed a fantastic and successful period in Leverkusen, including a double win: Florian Wirtz . Things haven't quite clicked for the playmaker at Liverpool yet, but that's perfectly normal, according to Xabi Alonso. "I have no doubt about his success; it's just a matter of time. It's a great opportunity for him after having spent his entire life in Germany," said Alonso. "Now he has to find his feet here. But he's a special player with great quality."
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