Xabi Alonso admitted his homecoming to Anfield was bittersweet after Liverpool defeated Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 on Tuesday, due to a Luis Diaz hat-trick, to top the Champions League table. Cody Gakpo also scored as the Reds kept their European unbeaten streak going after four games. Alonso, a Champions League winner during his playing days in the Liverpool midfield, turned his back on succeeding Jurgen Klopp and stayed at Leverkusen after leading them to an unbeaten German league and cup double last season.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are not left wondering what could have been, as Arne Slot extended his impressive start as manager with his 14th win in 16 games across all competitions.
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“One thing is the game, and the other is the reception,” remarked Alonso, who was a Reds player from 2004 to 2009.
“I have a bitter feeling, but I really respect and am thankful that after so many years, I can still come here and have that relationship with the club. But it would have been nicer with a better outcome.”
Leverkusen remains on seven points from their first four Champions League games following another depressing night for their hopes of matching the heights they reached last season. According to Sports ntv
Alonso’s team is currently fourth in the Bundesliga, seven points behind champions Bayern Munich, and have failed to grasp what their coach characterized as a “beautiful challenge” prior to the encounter.
Slot’s decision to move Diaz into a central spot up front paid off, as the Colombian scored his first hat-trick for the club.
Sleepless night.
Just like in Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Brighton, which propelled Slot’s side to the top of the Premier League, it took until the second half for Liverpool and the Anfield crowd to come alive.
“Second half we could adjust the gameplan, we took more risks and we were better with the ball as well,” Slot told the crowd.
“If you work or play for Liverpool, you are always under pressure, but we welcome it because we want to win everything. You have to understand that whether you work or play here, you will be able to enjoy these amazing evenings.”
One hour mark, a remarkable moment brought a cagey tactical fight to life.
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