Liverpool boss Arne Slot lauded Xabi Alonso’s document at Bayer Leverkusen forward of the Spaniard’s return to Anfield within the Champions League on Tuesday with the German champions.
Alonso, who scored as Liverpool gained the 2005 Champions League remaining, was reportedly the Reds’ prime goal to switch Jurgen Klopp as supervisor on the finish of final season.
The 42-year-old as an alternative opted to stay in Germany, having led Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title and the German Cup with out dropping a sport, in addition to reaching the Europa League remaining.
Slot was handed the daunting process of succeeding Klopp, however has made a exceptional begin with 13 wins and one draw from his opening 15 video games in all competitions.
Liverpool sit prime of the Premier League, have reached the League Cup quarter-finals and are off to an ideal begin within the Champions League because of victories over AC Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig.
“It’s a massive European sport,” mentioned Slot at his pre-match press convention.
“Additionally for what Xabi Alonso did for this membership, particularly in Europe as properly. Perhaps extra for the way he manages Leverkusen, how he manages them domestically. In Europe final season they had been unbelievable as properly.
“I feel this season they’re simply pretty much as good however a bit extra unfortunate on the subject of outcomes.”
Leverkusen have struggled to match their requirements from final season as they sit fourth within the Bundesliga, seven factors behind leaders Bayern Munich.
However they’re additionally properly heading in the right direction for the knockout levels of the Champions League after taking seven factors from their opening three video games.
“It is tough to say what makes him a particular supervisor if you happen to do not work with him each day however he’s, that’s clear,” added Slot on Alonso.
“Backside of the league when he took over, did not spend a lot, primarily the identical gamers and so they solely misplaced within the remaining of the Europa League.
“He labored with unbelievable managers previously and performed on the highest ranges. So he additionally is aware of and understands what gamers really feel at sure moments.”
Liverpool wanted a much-improved second-half efficiency to beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday to go prime of the Premier League
Mohamed Salah scored the winner with a shocking strike, however provoked additional hypothesis over his future afterwards with a social media publish.
“It doesn’t matter what occurs, I’ll always remember what scoring at Anfield seems like,” mentioned the Egyptian, who’s out of contract on the finish of the season.
Salah is one in every of three key Liverpool stars whose offers expire come June.
Captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are additionally but to agree new phrases.
Slot, although, is hoping they’ll preserve the shape they’ve proven to this point this season regardless of the uncertainty.
“I do not take a look at Instagram posts of the gamers, I speak to them. Mo is in an excellent place in the intervening time. He at all times has been at Liverpool however in the intervening time as properly,” added Slot.
“This may proceed for so long as their futures will not be clear however within the meantime let’s hope they bring about the performances.”
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