Xabi Alonso has backed Florian Wirtz to succeed at Liverpool, saying it’s «just a matter of time» before the £116 million star delivers at Anfield.
Playmaker Wirtz has faced criticism since joining in a high-profile deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, contributing no goals, and two assists, in 13 appearances so far in the Premier League and Champions League.
Former Liverpool player Alonso — who coached Wirtz for three seasons at Leverkusen, including winning the 2024 Bundesliga title — returns to Anfield on Tuesday, in charge of Real Madrid.
«I have no doubts, it’s just a matter of time,» Alonso said in a pre-match news conference on Monday, when asked about Wirtz. «It’s a big chance for him, coming to Liverpool after so many years in Germany, and being there his whole life.»
Wirtz was a key player for Alonso’s Leverkusen, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists in the Bundesliga in 2023-24, and then 10 goals and 12 assist in 2024-25.
«He needs to adapt, but he’s a really special player,» Alonso said. «He’s competitive. One of the reasons I am here is because of Flo. Hopefully not tomorrow, but I hope soon he’ll show his quality and his class.»
Trent Alexander-Arnold is in the Madrid squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash, after suffering an injury-disrupted start to the season, playing just 151 minutes in LaLiga and five minutes in the Champions League thus far.
«He’s fine, he didn’t play the other day [against Valencia] with the context of the game but he’s available,» Alonso said. «Tomorrow, he could play … We need him. Trent has great quality. It’s a new stage for him. We have to help him perform. He’s an exceptional player.»
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Alexander-Arnold — who won the Champions League and two Premier League titles on Merseyside — could face a hostile reception on his return to his boyhood club, with Liverpool fans unhappy at the manner of his free-transfer departure last summer.
«We haven’t talked about that,» Alonso said. «He has to feel his own feelings, he has to enjoy it in his own way. I won’t tell him how he needs to feel. His history is a bit different to mine. He was born here … He deserves to enjoy that moment. It’s nice to be back and for him too.»
