Xabi Alonso says Florian Wirtz helped him land Real Madrid role and expects Liverpool star to adapt soon despite slow Premier League start.
LIVERPOOL: Xabi Alonso revealed he secured the Real Madrid managerial position partly due to Florian Wirtz’s influence.
Alonso expressed full confidence that the German international will soon start performing for Liverpool despite his current struggles.
The duo previously ended Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance by winning a historic league and Cup double with Bayer Leverkusen.
That unbeaten campaign established Alonso as the top candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Wirtz rejected Bayern’s interest to join Liverpool in a 100 million pound transfer last June.
The 22-year-old has faced difficulties adapting to the Premier League’s physical demands.
He remains goalless for Liverpool and has been benched in three of their last four league matches.
Alonso and Wirtz will face each other for the first time since leaving Germany in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
Alonso stated his belief that Wirtz’s adaptation is merely a timing issue given his exceptional qualities.
The Madrid manager specifically credited Wirtz’s special contributions as instrumental to his current position.
Alonso also commented on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s challenging start at Real Madrid.
The England international missed nearly two months with a hamstring injury and now faces competition from Federico Valverde.
Madrid maintains a perfect Champions League record while Liverpool sits tenth in their domestic league. – AFP
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