After winning a German league and cup double with Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso credits Wirtz with helping him acquire the Real Madrid manager position. He claims the midfielder merely needs time to return to his greatest form at Liverpool.
When Alonso led Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2023–2024 without losing a game, the 22-year-old was awarded the German top flight’s player of the season.
In June, the same month Alonso made his Real head coaching debut at the Club World Cup, Liverpool reportedly paid 100 million pounds ($134.21 million) for Wirtz, plus an additional 16 million pounds in incentives.
Alonso, who played 210 games for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, stated that it will take Wirtz some time to get used to living in England. Wirtz has yet to score for Liverpool after 14 appearances.
“It’s a big change for him to come here to Liverpool after so many years in Germany, his whole life, and a few years in Leverkusen,” Alonso told reporters on Monday prior to Tuesday’s Champions League group-stage matchup with Liverpool.
Alonso says quality Wirtz helped get him Real Madrid job
When Madrid plays Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, Alonso and Wirtz will be back on opposing teams for the first time since leaving Germany. “I have no doubts it could be just a matter of time,” said Alonso, who spent five years as a Liverpool player from 2004 to 2009.
He needs to adjust to this new environment after spending so much time in Germany, but he is a very unique talent. He is competitive and possesses the right qualities and personality. With Flo, I have no reservations.
He was one of the reasons I am here, and he was really unique. I am thankful to him, and maybe not tomorrow, but we are looking forward to him demonstrating his talent and his class.
Alonso also commented on Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr’s irate outburst following his substitution during the team’s 2-1 league triumph over rivals Barcelona last month. Alonso stated that the squad has moved forward once the Brazilian international publicly apologised.
He stated that it was crucial that he discussed it with his colleagues and that it was just left and highlighted after that. “We hope it doesn’t occur again… The chapter is over.
