Alonso Maintains Concentration Ahead Of Emotional Anfield Return
Xabi Alonso insists he will not be drawn into the emotional side of things when he returns to Liverpool with Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
An Anfield favourite during his playing days, Alonso spent five seasons with the Reds, winning the Champions League in 2005 and an FA Cup trophy the following year.
The former Spain midfielder was touted as a possible replacement for Jurgen Klopp in the summer but he opted to remain at Leverkusen.
"Let's talk about the game, it's more interesting than my future," he said on Monday.
"Let's talk about the great players on both sides, that is what is in my head.
"For us it is a big challenge to come here. Liverpool at the moment is one of the best, if not the best, in Europe.
"It's a good squad, good coach. At Anfield, it's a big challenge. We're looking forward to it, let's see what happens."
On the possibility of Liverpool fans singing his name, Alonso said: "We will see, I will tell you after the game how I feel.
"There will be a moment for everything, but the main thing is not me. It's the players, how we deal with the emotions you have in this stadium."
Alonso led Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title last season.
