Jamie Carragher laced up his football boots exclusively for Liverpool FC during his career and became a real club icon in a total of 17 professional seasons (1996 – 2013). During this time he also played alongside numerous stars. Someone who could soon even be on the Reds sidelines made a strong impression even before his first game: Xabi Alonso.
When Xabi Alonso moved from Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, Spain, to Liverpool FC in 2004, he was just 22 years old, while Carragher had already played seven seasons at Anfield. However, the self-confidence that the newcomer showed from the start left a lasting impression.
When the then coach Rafael Benitez told his team about his compatriot’s signing, he is said to have said: “This player will strengthen us, I think he is a fantastic player. He has already spoken to me about where the team can improve and about other tactical things.” Carragher now reports this on “The Redman TV”.
However, these words would not have aroused enthusiasm among the defensive star. “I just thought, ‘Who the bloody hell does he think he is? 22, coming over from Spain and trying to tell us what we’re doing wrong. Damn, show yourself in the jersey first.'”
However, it quickly became clear that Alonso actually had enormous football expertise on and off the pitch. He didn’t talk much on the pitch and completely exhausted himself for the team, but otherwise he talked a lot, especially about football.
Alonso and Liverpool FC? As if made for each other!
Alonso is currently proving that he makes a good coach at Bayer Leverkusen. In his first professional position as a coach, the 42-year-old has an outstanding points average of 2.16 points in 69 games, and in 2023/24 the Werkself are still unbeaten in 32 duels.
A value that has made Alonso the hottest candidate to succeed Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool FC. According to Carragher, Alonso was “perfectly suited” for this job, even though he doesn’t yet have a lot of experience as a coach.
Klopp is ending his extremely successful stint at Liverpool FC in the summer at his own request.