What Xabi Alonso was heard saying to Liverpool staff behind the scenes at Anfield on Tuesday

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Liverpool welcomed a familiar face back to Anfield on Tuesday as Xabi Alonso returned as opposition manager.

The Spaniard enjoyed five memorable years with the Reds between 2004 and 2009, winning the Champions League and FA Cup.

Having been heavily linked with the Liverpool job over the summer, it was a pointed return for Alonso, who saw his Bayer Leverkusen side thumped 4-0.

Clearly, the 42-year-old’s return was big news. Alonso was reunited with Luis Garcia, another hero of Istanbul, before the match and the TV cameras just about followed his every move during the game.

Jamie Carragher revealed a text conversation with Alonso as well, while the World Cup winner showed a classy touch with reporters before the game, too.

All in all, Xabi made a wonderful impression during his first competitive visit to Anfield since 2009. And after more behind the scenes footage of Tuesday’s game emerged, Liverpool fans may just love him even more.

Xabi Alonso admits he’s ‘still a Red’

Alonso re-joining Liverpool as new manager this summer would have been something truly special.

Anfield was longing for a return of their former No.14 ever since Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to leave in January.

Nevertheless, after Alonso took himself out of the running, Liverpool clearly came to the best decision possible. Nobody could have bettered the job Arne Slot has done so far.

Still, some fans will have been disappointed by Alonso’s decision not to be considered and may even have seen it as being a slight towards his former club.

READ MORE: Liverpool players heard likening ‘outstanding’ young midfielder to Xabi Alonso in training

However, it has since been reported that Alonso would still love to manage Liverpool one day and in footage released by Bayer Leverkusen on YouTube, you can see that he does mean that.

Captured on camera speaking with two female members of staff in an office room somewhere inside Anfield, Alonso makes an admission that will bring a smile to the face of every Liverpool supporter.

“Always a Scouser, still a Red!” smiles Alonso as he waves the two women goodbye.

Is Xabi Alonso destined to manage Liverpool?

Tuesday’s game was a really big moment for Slot. The Liverpool head coach has proven beyond all doubt that he was the right man to take over from Klopp.

But still, there was perhaps a lingering feeling that this should have been Alonso’s job. Slot has now put that to bed in emphatic fashion.

The Dutchman looks set for a long and successful tenure at Anfield and Liverpool should not have to think about a replacement for a good few years.

Alonso looks to be on his way to Real Madrid next year, anyway, in what will be a make or break role for him.

In the future, though, there still feels to be a decent chance that everything lines up for Alonso to come back. He clearly does love the club and if the opportunity arises again in five, six, seven years, he’ll surely be ready to make that step. Until then, it’s Arne all the way!