One of many largest matches of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage comes our approach tomorrow as report champions .
A conflict of the heavyweights of Europe, it will likely be an important day for Los Blancos supervisor Xabi Alonso as he returns to Anfield, the place he’s revered as a legend from his profitable stint with the Reds as a participant.
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The Spanish tactician has completed a strong job at Actual Madrid, having led them to a robust begin to the season – prime of the desk in La Liga and three wins in three within the UEFA Champions League.
The 100% profitable report in Europe, nonetheless, may very well be put to severe take a look at tomorrow at Anfield.
Alonso on his time with Liverpool
Forward of the massive sport, Alonso addressed the media, discussing numerous matters, kicking issues off with what it means for him to be again a Anfield.
“It all the time feels good to return to a spot the place you will have been liked a lot,” mentioned the Actual Madrid boss.
“It was crucial, it wasn’t only a meaningless step. I used to be there for 5 years and I discovered loads. Not nearly taking part in, but additionally about pondering. It helped me to be right here. You like soccer and you like taking part in for a membership like this.”
Discussing what makes Anfield a particular venue and sometimes a frightening one for opposition, Alonso remarked:
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“A lot of them have skilled it, lately for the more serious and never so way back for the higher. These moments within the sport when there appears to be a power… they’re very skilled gamers who know tips on how to reply nicely in heated environments.
“It’s the gamers who need to play, and I can’t do it from the bench.”
Alonso took a stroll down the reminiscence lane, speaking about his notorious penalty for Liverpool within the iconic UCL last towards AC Milan in Istanbul – the one he missed earlier than scoring the rebound to make it 3-3, placing the Reds on observe for the victory.
“Within the final league sport, Gerrard took the penalty and missed. The next week we performed the ultimate and Rafa (Benítez) designated me because the penalty taker, or Kewell. And when it occurred, Kewell wasn’t there,” reminisced Alonso.
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“I took it, missed it, however scored on the second try. And it modified the historical past.”
On whether or not he’s emotional heading into what’s actually a particular match for him, Alonso remarked:
A particular night time for Xabi Alonso. (Photograph by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Photos)
“I attempt to not let my feelings get the higher of me. I don’t need them to alter my preparation… and what’s meant to occur will occur. Distancing myself from the feelings of those matches is essential so I may be extra targeted on what I’ve to do.”
On his gamers
Other than Alonso, it should even be a particular second for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who returns to Liverpool – his boyhood membership – for the primary time after leaving them for Actual Madrid in the summertime.
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The proper-back has not performed a single minute within the final two matches regardless of recovering from a hamstring damage. However Alonso assured that the 27-year-old is able to step up.
“He’s positive, he didn’t play the opposite day due to the circumstances of the match. He’s out there and might play tomorrow. We want him as a result of he has great high quality. We now have to assist him and provides him what he must carry out,” he mentioned.
, nonetheless, with a big part of Liverpool followers being sad over the style of his departure earlier this yr. On whether or not he had spoken with the Englishman concerning the state of affairs, Alonso said:
“We haven’t talked about this, to be trustworthy. He must have his personal emotions and expertise them in his personal approach. His story is totally different; he grew up right here… I bear in mind when he got here as much as practice with us from the youth academy.”
Transferring again to the match, Alonso made it clear that Kylian Mbappe stays Actual Madrid’s first penalty-taker, though the gamers can determine issues between themselves on the pitch.
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“No, we determine who the penalty taker is… after which they make the selections. Tomorrow it will likely be Kylian once more,” he reiterated.
As for the controversy involving Vinicius Jr., which dominated the headlines final week, Alonso made it clear that he thought of the matter settled.
“For me, it was essential to speak about it on Wednesday and it’s settled. Issues can occur, however we don’t need them to occur once more. That’s the place it stands,” he mentioned.
Concerning his resolution to have his gamers practice at Valdebebas somewhat than doing it at Anfield, Alonso defined:
“I did the identical in Leverkusen. I believe it’s higher for making ready for the match, not due to any conspiracy. At Valdebebas we now have higher management over all the pieces and don’t give the opponent any clues.”
Alonso additionally commented on the state of affairs of Liverpool’s blockbuster summer season signing Florian Wirtz, who he educated at Bayer Leverkusen.
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“It’s an enormous change for him to return right here after so a few years in Germany. He has to adapt, however he’s a really particular participant… and maybe that’s one of many causes he’s right here. I hope it’s not tomorrow, however that he can present his class quickly,” mentioned Alonso.
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