Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the Champions League season on Tuesday as they thumped Bayer Leverkusen 4-0.
The Reds had won three out of three heading into what was perhaps their toughest test in the competition yet.
But despite having struggled against Xabi Alonso’s side during a tight first-half, Liverpool put on the burners in the second.
Just like Saturday’s win over Brighton, two quick goals put the opposition to bed midway through the second period at Anfield.
Luis Diaz then added gloss to the result by bagging a late double to seal a first ever Liverpool hat-trick.
It was maybe not the result Alonso would have expected on his return to Anfield. But back in a competitive fixture for the first time since 2009, the Spaniard did at least get time to catch up with some old faces.
Jamie Carragher reveals Xabi Alonso texts
Although he left under a little bit of a cloud, Alonso has always – and will always – be held in high regard at Liverpool.
The 42-year-old underlined that on Tuesday with the gracious way he accepted a heavy defeat to his former team.
Prior to the game, Alonso displayed a classy gesture as he greeted familiar reporters while speaking to the press on Monday.
And with the mood wholly positive surrounding Xabi, he spoke to former Liverpool teammate Jamie Carragher on CBS Sports Golazo ahead of kick-off. Asked if it’s true that he and Carragher are still in regular contact, Alonso confirmed that to be the case.
READ MORE: What Thiago Alcantara was spotted doing with Xabi Alonso after Liverpool 4-0 Bayer Leverkusen
“Carra? Yeah for sure, we text, we have always texted even when I left Liverpool. He forgave me pretty soon, so, we have been in contact,” said the World Cup winner.
“We were texting this morning!” Carragher chipped in. “We had a little text this morning. Xabi was in Liverpool, he was going for a run. I had my spies out watching him, keeping an eye on him making sure he was okay. How did the run go, Xabi?”
“Pretty good, pretty good,” replied Alonso. “It was good to see my old house, the old street, the old coffees [shops] where I used to go. I know that you are the boss in the city so I couldn’t get out of [away from] you!”
Will Xabi Alonso regret Liverpool decision?
Had things gone a little differently, Alonso could have been on the touchline as Liverpool manager facing his former club on Tuesday night.
We’ll never know what would have happened had Alonso declared himself open to joining the Reds when Jurgen Klopp left at the end of last season.
As it turned out, the Basque did not even entertain the idea of returning to Anfield. Arne Slot was chosen and the rest is history.
It has since been reported that Alonso would still like to manage Liverpool one day, but perhaps the nature of Tuesday night’s loss will have him wondering whether that will ever come about.
Alonso is clearly a top coach and one result does not change that. But back in the city, seeing his old mates and saluting the Kop, you can’t help but wonder if Xabi will now be feeling a little regretful at his decision to take himself out of the running.
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