Liverpool manager Arne Slot has lauded Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as a “special manager” on the eve of their Champions League showdown at Anfield. The Reds, who currently sit atop both the Premier League and their European group, are set to face a stern test against the reigning Bundesliga champions.
Alonso’s Meteoric Rise
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder himself, has engineered a remarkable turnaround at Leverkusen since taking the reins last season. Under his guidance, Die Werkself went undefeated in the league en route to their first-ever Bundesliga title, while also clinching the DFB-Pokal. Their only blemish came in a narrow Europa League final defeat to Atalanta.
The Spaniard’s success caught the eye of his former club, with Alonso emerging as a frontrunner to succeed Jürgen Klopp before ultimately opting to remain in Germany until 2025. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot was effusive in his praise for his counterpart:
“It’s difficult to say what makes him a special manager if you don’t work with him on a daily basis but he is, that is clear. Bottom of the league when he took over, didn’t spend much, mainly the same players, and they only lost in the final of the Europa League.”
– Arne Slot on Xabi Alonso
Learning From The Best
Slot mused that Alonso’s rapid ascent may be attributed to the wealth of knowledge gleaned from playing under some of the game’s most respected managers, as well as his own experiences at the highest level:
“What makes him special is hard because I haven’t faced him or worked with him but what might be the situation is he worked with incredible managers in the past and played at the highest levels. So he also knows and understands what players feel at certain moments.”
– Arne Slot
Liverpool’s Strong Start Amid Uncertainty
The Reds have hit the ground running this season, topping the Premier League table after 10 games and sharing the lead in their Champions League group. This impressive form comes despite question marks surrounding the futures of several key players, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all of whom are in the final year of their contracts.
Salah sparked speculation with a cryptic Instagram post over the weekend, reflecting on the feeling of scoring at Anfield. However, Slot downplayed any concerns, emphasizing his direct communication with the Egyptian star:
“I don’t look at Instagram posts of the players, I talk to them. Mo is in a very good place at the moment. He always has been at Liverpool but at the moment as well. I’m hoping he can post one after tomorrow and Saturday again. For me, it is important what he tells me. That’s what matters, not how you guys interpret that post.”
– Arne Slot on Mohamed Salah’s Instagram post
A Tantalizing Clash
As two of Europe’s in-form sides prepare to collide, the stage is set for a mouthwatering encounter at Anfield. Will Slot’s Liverpool continue their march on both domestic and continental fronts, or can Alonso’s Leverkusen spring an upset and announce themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the Champions League stage?
With both managers earning plaudits for their tactical acumen and man-management skills, this battle of wits promises to be as intriguing as the on-field action. As the football world eagerly awaits Tuesday’s showdown, one thing is certain: sparks are bound to fly when these two heavyweights lock horns under the Anfield lights.
