Anfield will forever celebrate Xabi Alonso, the hero of Istanbul, but his return as Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach carries a different story to write. As Alonso brings his team to face Liverpool in a highly anticipated Champions League clash on Tuesday, he does so with a fresh sense of ambition — one that might see him challenge the very club he once represented with unmatched elegance.

Alonso, known for his sophisticated playmaking and remarkable partnership with Steven Gerrard, returns to Anfield 15 years after ending his chapter as a Liverpool player. Now as the head coach of a thriving Leverkusen side, he was asked about potentially succeeding Jürgen Klopp as Liverpool manager. Alonso deftly sidestepped the topic, keeping the focus on the upcoming game, yet he left fans with a surprising remark: “Don’t be sad if I beat you,” he said with a knowing smile.

Reflecting on his memories of Liverpool, Alonso admitted, “Anfield will always hold a special place in my heart. This is where I experienced some of my best moments as a player. But I’m here now to win for Leverkusen, and as a professional, that’s my main focus. I owe it to my team and our supporters.”

With Bayer Leverkusen performing impressively under Alonso’s guidance, Liverpool fans are excited to see him back on their turf, albeit with mixed emotions. While many dream of him one day taking over from Klopp, others are bracing themselves for the possibility that this familiar face might be the one to disrupt their Champions League campaign.