In the course of his remarkable playing career, Xabi Alonso traveled throughout Europe, playing for Liverpool in England, Bayern Munich in Germany, and Real Madrid and Sociedad in Spain. With the ball at his feet, the renowned midfielder was a sight to behold, tearing apart defenses with his remarkable vision, deft passing, and precise accuracy.
After 700 club appearances, numerous UEFA Champions League medals, and 12 other significant honors at Anfield, the Allianz Arena, the Santiago Bernabeu, and Reale Arena, Alonso announced his retirement from soccer in July 2017. As a member of La Roja, which won their first World Cup in 2010 and twice became European Champions, the Spaniard was also a hit when playing for his country.
Alonso, who is currently coaching at Bayer Leverkusen, spent years playing in the middle of midfield in some of the most prestigious venues in Europe. However, due of its atmosphere, the former Eibar man loved to call it home. It was one of his old haunts.
Alonso Glowingly Discussed the Atmosphere at Anfield
The Hero from Liverpool Was Lauded The stadium can hold 61,246 people.
Alonso made 210 appearances for Liverpool, recording 18 goals and 19 assists, making him one of the most renowned midfield players to ever grace the Premier League. In the Miracle of Istanbul in 2005, the Spaniard was a member of the team that won the UEFA Champions League. Even if his career’s high point was that historic night at Ataturk Stadium, he apparently preferred playing in the magnificent Anfield stadium of the Merseyside giants.
The 43-year-old played for his previous Premier League team against Manchester United in a Legends Match. He talked about how much he loves one of the oldest football stadiums in England (via FourFourTwo):
“You still know that you have it inside of you, that you feel it, and that it awakens [you] whenever you have the chance. It had a fantastic atmosphere, a worthy cause, and the greatest stadium in the world, and I really enjoyed it. Fantastic day.
When Alonso began to produce magical moments in front of the Kop early in his Liverpool tenure, it was obvious that he would flourish at Anfield. After five games, he made a comeback for Steven Gerrard and displayed his playmaking skills in a 3-0 victory over Norwich City in 2004, one of his most striking performances.
Champions League nights at Anfield are unique, as Alonso played in 20 European matches where the Reds showed the opposition that “This is Anfield.” He helped Gerrard score the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Marseille in one of his final home games for the Merseyside team in Europe:
“[Anfield] is unique. This is Anfield, even though you have beautiful stadiums all across the world, with fantastic atmospheres and Champions League evenings. The atmosphere, the stands, the lights—all of it is unique and authentically football. For this reason, as players, fans, and visitors, we adore it.”
Xabi Alonso’s Anfield stats
Club
Liverpool
Looks
132
Gains
67
Draws
23
Losses
42
Objectives
8.
Helps
Twelve
Will Xabi Alonso Return To Anfield In The Managerial Dugout?
The Spanish coach was heavily linked to replace Jurgen Klopp
When Jurgen Klopp chose to end his tenure at Anfield in late January, it appeared that Alonso would be the logical choice to take over. As Bayer Leverkusen rose to the top of German football and ended Bayern’s Bundesliga domination, the Spanish tactician’s reputation as one of Europe’s most entertaining coaches grew.
Despite being the overwhelming favorite to succeed Klopp, Alonso declined the offer because he believed he was at the ideal club for him to advance as a manager. The Reds made the right choice in selecting Arne Slot, as the Dutchman led them to the Premier League’s top spot in his first season.
The Spaniard’s return to Anfield for a match between Liverpool and Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League was not pleasant as his team lost 4-0. Perhaps this served as a lesson to those who were tempted by his qualifications to accept such a demanding role as Klopp’s heir.
Many people believe that Alonso is the best candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, and there are rumors circulating in Spain that Florentino Perez has chosen him to succeed the Italian in the summer of 2025. Long-term, that will definitely rule out a reunion at Anfield.
