Xabi Alonso praised Jurgen Klopp and admitted that he is proud of the way his former side has played in the opening weeks of the Premier League. Complimenting the German coach on adapting to the Merseyside culture he stated, “He has embraced the culture of Liverpool, the tradition but also the hunger to deliver and to do something important. They are so, so enjoyable to watch and they are [involved] in great games.”
The Spaniard was speaking to BBC about the recent resurgence of Liverpool and excerpts from the interview have revealed the Spaniard’s admiration for coaches such as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard graced the hallowed grounds of Anfield between 2004 and 2009 and has kept tabs on his former team.
The central midfielder was one of the pivots of the all-conquering Spanish team that won the Euros twice and the World Cup in 2010. Currently plying his trade for Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich, the former Liverpool player recalled his playing days at Liverpool as the most wonderful time in his career.
LFC for life
The Spaniard acknowledged that he was a lifelong supporter of Liverpool and he has often been spotted at Anfield. Having embraced the Merseyside culture during his time at Liverpool, the midfielder once said, “I am still a Liverpool fan and will be forever, absolutely.”
Alonso made 143 appearances for the Reds and scored 15 goals for the club. However, it was his ability to dictate the play that caught the attention of the big clubs. Real Madrid were quick out of the blocks and shelled out a sum of around £30 million to lure the Spaniard away from Anfield.
Also read: EPL 2016-17: Ryan Giggs scared of what Liverpool could achieve this season under Jurgen Klopp
At the time, Steven Gerrard spoke of Alonso’s decision as having “devastated him.” The Spaniard arrived from Real Sociedad and was instrumental in the Liverpool side challenging Manchester United for the title in 2009. Alongside, Luis Garcia who arrived from Barcelona, the Spaniards went about marking the beginning of a new era under the tutelage of Rafa Benitez.
Henderson has become a leader
Since his move to German giants, Bayern Munich, Alonso has seen his role in the side evolve. However, this hasn’t disrupted him from taking an interest in Liverpool. As recently as October, Alonso lent a voice of support to current Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and complimented him on his leadership skills stating, “It’s not just the performances on the pitch, from the outside it looks like he (Henderson) has taken the leading role in the changing room.”
He then went on to state how the energetic nature of both Klopp and Henderson has affected the Anfield crowd and how they are responsible for the upswing in mood. He said, “Jordan has so much energy, he plays well and he’s very complete. Not just as a holding midfielder, he’s able to get closer to the box. He’s becoming a very important player.”
Alonso though will hope Klopp can guide the Reds to a Premier League title having himself missed out.
Bayern Munich travel to FC Augsburg this weekend and Alonso will hope that his current side can consolidate their league position at the top of the table.
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