> Internacional > Texto
Xabi Alonso speaks out on Liverpool job links ahead of Anfield Champions League return
{by} Express.co.uk

Xabi Alonso had been linked with the Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to step down as manager.

Xabi Alonso has revealed that he never seriously considered taking over the Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp announced his departure earlier this year. He also believes that his Bayer Leverkusen team will be facing the best team in Europe when they clash with the Reds in the Champions League on Tuesday.

In March, Alonso declared that he would stay at BayArena for the foreseeable future. The Reds later confirmed Arne Slot as Klopp's successor after Richard Hughes, the sporting director, met with the then Feyenoord boss in April.

Ahead of Tuesday's European match at Anfield, Alonso stated that he was never a contender for the position at his old club. He said his focus at the time was solely on winning the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, a feat he accomplished without suffering a league defeat last season.

Alonso remarked on the unique blend present at Liverpool, saying: "I've seen a lot of different things Klopp implemented here but I have followed Slot too, I know his approach but it is combined with the intensity here at Liverpool, they have a nice mixture and that is why they are top of Premier League and Champions League.

"In all areas they are really strong, so the process works really well. The manager has done a fantastic job in three months. Gakpo, Diaz, Tsimikas, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; they have so many options. We have our plan and we will see what happens tomorrow for 90 minutes, we want to be competitive. We'll see."

Reflecting on returning to Anfield, Alonso expressed his excitement: "It feels great to be back after a few years to be back here. It's always special. You notice the development of the club, the new stands look pretty amazing.

"For sure tomorrow is a big game against Liverpool in a great moment, it cannot get much better than that and we are looking forward to it. Let's see, I am not thinking that much [how I will be received]. I am more thinking about how to prepare the game."

When asked about his own future, amid links to Real Madrid, Alosno replied: "Let's talk about the game tomorrow, it's more interesting than my future. 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."

Discussing the emotions accompanying his return to his old stomping ground, Alonso shared: "We will see, I will tell you after the game how I feel. There will be a moment for everything but the main thing is not me.

"It's the players, how we deal with the emotions you have in this stadium, they are in a good moment. For us, this challenge against one of the best teams in Europe at Anfield is a great challenge, we have to show our best football, there will be a great energy. Let's see tomorrow and we can talk after the game."

As for his plans outside of football in the city he knows well, Alonso remarked, "I don't have enough time [for tourism]. Maybe tomorrow I will take a little walk or a run but there is no time for tourism. I know the city very well, I loved it but tomorrow I will focus on the game and only the game."

Reflecting on past glories, the Spaniard shared: "It won't be very original I guess, but even after almost 20 years, winning the Champions League, they remind me and us of that, for that night, that miracle and that was the beginning of something great that we started that year.

"What we did against that Milan side was fantastic memories. I talked a little bit about it but not too much because I like to talk about our thing more now. But, for sure, Istanbul is the iconic moment for me."

Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Arsenal and Liverpool gear up for January battle to sign Martin Zubimendi with Premier League giants ready to trigger release clause

Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...

Arsenal
Liverpool
Martin Zubimendi
{by} Goal.com
Exclusive: €60-70m could bring classy star to Liverpool or Manchester United

There is growing interest in Benfica star Orkun Kokcu, who could be allowed to leave for interested clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United for around €60-70m, CaughtOffside understands.The Turkey international has previously shone under Liverpool manager Arne Slot during their time together at Feyenoord, with the player recently speaking publicly about how highly he rates the Dutch tac...

Orkun Kokcu
Liverpool
Manchester United
{by} Caughtoffside.com
Daily Laugh - Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest

Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...

Arsenal
Chelsea
Harry Kane
{by} 7M Sport
Chelsea make Nkunku sale call amid Man Utd, PSG interest

The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....

Chelsea
Manchester United
Christopher Nkunku
{by} Tribalfootball.com
Mentor: Diomande won't get carried away with Man Utd, Man City rumours

Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...

Ousmane Diomande
Manchester United
Manchester City
{by} Tribalfootball.com
Real Madrid explore re-signing Man Utd veteran Casemiro

Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...

Real Madrid
Manchester United
Casemiro
{by} Tribalfootball.com
Daily Laugh - Mudryppe

Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Jack Grealish joked about Pep Guardiola's reaction if he went on I'm a Celeb this year Man City vs Spurs this weekend… Cristiano Ronaldo Mudryppe Throw back to the most crazy substitution in football history... Kylian Mbappe vs Tree When everyone keeps calling you a one season wonder but you're just a chill guy. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...

{by} 7M Sport
JARR HEADS Man Utd ‘transfer plans revealed as Ruben Amorim eyes Jarrad Branthwaite and Champions League-winning dream target’

Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's teamThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a "radical" move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some "hard ...

Ruben Amorim
Manchester United
Jarrad Branthwaite
{by} Thesun.co.uk
Arsenal and Man Utd set sights on Sporting CP star Diomande in January move

The center half is one of the most sought after young talents in the world at present.Per football.london, both Arsenal and United are keen to sign him in the summer.However, the source states that United are very much in the ascendancy in this respect.Having hired Ruben Amorim, who was previously Diomande's manager at Sporting CP, gives them a big edge.Diomande may also base his decision on wheth...

Arsenal
Manchester United
Ousmane Diomande
{by} Tribalfootball.com
Sources: Inter Miami set to appoint Javier Mascherano as head coach

Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.Mascherano will leave his post as manager of Argentina's youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who exits the club after a year and a half due to personal...

Javier Mascherano
Inter Miami
Lionel Messi
{by} ESPN
Dalian Aerbin(féminines)
06/03/2019 04:00 VS Pas commencé
Dalian Aerbin(féminines)
Classement
D E
Matchs joués
73.5% Victoires 26.5%
Pts: 82 Rang: 1 Pts: 82 Rang: 1
Domicile
73.5% Victoires 26.5%
Pts: 82 Rang: 1 Pts: 82 Rang: 1
Extérieur
73.5% Victoires 26.5%
Pts: 82 Rang: 1 Pts: 82 Rang: 1
Últimos 6
73.5% Victoires 26.5%
Pts: 82 Rang: 1 Pts: 82 Rang: 1
Derniers 8 paris (AH)
D E
G P G P G P G P
Victoires: 62.50%
G P G P G P G P
Victoires: 62.50%
Plus
Rang
Équipe
Pts
Rang
Équipe
Pts
Rang
Équipe
Pts
Rang
Équipe
Pts
Rang
Équipe
Pts
Rang
Équipe
Pts