Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are the guests on Tuesday night, and the previous Purple made his impressions of the modifications at Anfield identified – and he’s, rightly, impressed.

Alonso was closely linked to taking the helm at Anfield within the wake of Jurgen Klopp‘s departure however pledged his dedication to Leverkusen in March throughout what was a historic season.

Understandably then, he swerved just a few questions from Merseyside reporters on whether or not he ever significantly thought-about returning to the membership as supervisor throughout his press convention on the eve of the Champions League conflict.

The Spaniard did, nevertheless, touch upon the way it feels to be again within the metropolis he known as dwelling from 2004 to 2009, particularly making point out of how the membership has developed in recent times.

“It feels nice [to be back in Liverpool] after just a few years. To be again right here is at all times particular,” he mentioned.

“You discover the event of the membership, I see the brand new Anfield Street Stand – it seems fairly superb.

“For certain, tomorrow we now have an enormous recreation coming right here within the Champions League towards Liverpool. They’re in an excellent second. It will probably’t get a lot better than that, we’re wanting ahead to tomorrow.”

It was not exhausting to see Alonso’s attachment to the membership, however he was desperate to redirect consideration again to Leverkusen’s assembly with Liverpool when any questions strayed past the 90 minutes.

“Let’s speak in regards to the recreation tomorrow, it’s extra fascinating than my future,” he insisted. “We’ve got an enormous one with nice gamers from either side. That’s what’s in my head.

“For us, it’s a massive problem to return right here. In all probability Liverpool for the time being is without doubt one of the finest, if not one of the best, groups in Europe.

“They’re exhibiting that within the Champions League, in a really sturdy Premier League, good squad, good coach and taking part in at Anfield is an enormous problem, however all of us are wanting ahead to it.”

In fact, there was time for Istanbul

Alonso performed 210 instances for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009 and lifted a complete three trophies, however even he may acknowledge his standout reminiscence shouldn’t be “very authentic” – who can blame him!

“I’m not going to be very authentic, even after virtually 20 years,” he mentioned after being requested to reminisce on his finest second. “They keep in mind us for that evening, for that miracle.

“That was the start of one thing nice that we began in 2005. What we did towards Milan was improbable reminiscences.

“I speak a bit of bit, however not an excessive amount of as a result of I like to speak extra about our factor now however, for certain, Istanbul is the enduring second for me.”

We’ll by no means tire of listening to that. See you at Anfield, Xabi!