Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot holds great admiration for Xabi Alonso, the former Reds midfielder now at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen. Yet as Alonso returns to Anfield, Slot insists that nostalgia must be left behind — the true tribute, he says, is for Liverpool to perform at their highest level.
“Tonight, we’ll welcome Xabi back,” Slot writes in his matchday programme notes, recognizing the affection supporters still feel for the Spaniard. “But there can be no room for sentimentality from us.”
The fixture arrives at a challenging time for Slot, with Liverpool having lost three consecutive matches for the first time under his tenure.
Respect with Determination
Despite that run, Liverpool entered the clash on the back of strong domestic and European form. Slot spoke highly of Leverkusen’s discipline and quality under Alonso, noting that their unbeaten Bundesliga title campaign last season was “a remarkable achievement.” He urged his side to meet that same standard — in effort, energy, and precision.
Slot’s admiration for Alonso runs deep. As both a Liverpool icon and a rising managerial talent, Alonso commands universal respect. But for Slot, that respect must be balanced with competitiveness:
“The best way to honour any former player,” he wrote, “is to be the best version of Liverpool — to play with total commitment, asking no favours and giving none.”
Among those familiar with Alonso’s style are current Liverpool players Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, who thrived under him at Leverkusen.
Strategy, Atmosphere, and Anfield’s Energy
Slot also emphasized the importance of Anfield’s unique atmosphere, describing how the crowd’s passion can elevate performances on the pitch. He pointed to recent matches where fan energy proved decisive, reminding players that football’s power lies as much in emotion as in tactics.
Rejecting the idea that history or sentiment should influence the night’s approach, Slot made his message clear: this is a contest to be fought, not a reunion to be cherished.
“We respect Xabi,” Slot concluded, “but our focus is simple — to compete, to give everything, and to make Liverpool proud.”
Alonso’s return to Anfield — his second as Leverkusen coach — promises an evening charged with both emotion and intensity.
