Alonso’s full ‘focus on the game’published at 14:35 Greenwich Mean Time
Liverpool v Bayer Leverkusen (20:00 GMT)
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Xabi Alonso has said “there is no time for tourism” before his return to Anfield with his Bayer Leverkusen side later.
The Spaniard made 210 appearances for the Reds in a spell from 2004 to 2009 and helped the club win the 2005 Champions League.
After guiding Leverkusen unbeaten to the Bundesliga title last season and only losing one game in all competitions, Alonso was initially favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp, but decided to stay with the German side.
Alonso said: “Let’s talk about the game – it’s more interesting than my future. 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, a good coach. At Anfield, it’s a big challenge. We’re looking forward to it. Let’s see what happens.”
When asked about the reception he will get on his return to Merseyside and the possibility of the crowd singing his name, Alonso replied: “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 and how we deal with the emotions you have in this stadium.”