Xabi Alonso Backs Wirtz to Bounce Back for Liverpool
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has expressed his confidence in Liverpool starlet Florian Wirtz, despite the German's struggles in the Premier League.
“We need to help him to perform at his best level because he is an exceptional player...”
Real Madrid's new manager, Xabi Alonso, has credited Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz with playing a key role in his appointment. Alonso believes Wirtz's impressive performances were instrumental in his move to the Bernabeu.
Alonso, who guided Bayer Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title and domestic double last season, has expressed his confidence in Wirtz's abilities, joking that he'll soon be delivering for Liverpool. The pair enjoyed a successful stint together at Leverkusen, where they won the league and cup without a single loss in the 2023/24 campaign.
That achievement made Xabi Alonso the top contender to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid earlier this year. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz turned down Bayern's advances to join Liverpool in a £100 million deal this summer. However, the 22-year-old German has faced challenges adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League.
Florian Wirtz has yet to find his scoring boots for Liverpool, and his recent form has seen him dropped to the bench for three of the Reds' last four league games. Xabi Alonso, who previously managed Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen, remains optimistic about the youngster's prospects.
Alonso and Wirtz will face off against each other for the first time since their Leverkusen days when Real Madrid takes on Liverpool in the Champions League. “I have no doubts he'll turn it around,” Alonso said, reflecting on Wirtz's struggles. Alonso has personal experience with the Reds, having played for the club from 2004 to 2009.
“He has the quality, the personality, he's competitive...I have no doubts with Flo.
“He was so special and one of the reasons I am here. I am thankful to him and, hopefully not tomorrow, but we are looking forward to him showing his quality and his class.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold's transition to Real Madrid from Liverpool has gotten off to a rocky start. The talented right-back hasn't played for the Spanish giants in almost two months, struggling to overcome a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Federico Valverde has seized the opportunity, impressing Alonso with his performances at right-back since Alexander-Arnold's return to fitness.
🫂🇩🇪 Xabi Alonso on Florian Wirtz: “He's sure to succeed, I have no doubt. It's just a matter of time”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 3, 2025
“It's a big change for him, he's spent his whole life in Germany. He has to adapt. He's very competitive, which is one of the reasons he's here”. pic.twitter.com/x4h4ZgavyY
“He has great qualities,” added Alonso. “It is a new stage for him on a sporting level but also physically and mentally.
“We need to help him to perform at his best level because he is an exceptional player.”
Real Madrid are one of five teams to boast a perfect record from their opening three Champions League matches. In contrast, Liverpool sit 10th in the 36-team table, trailing the leaders by three points.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Xabi Alonso, Emilio Butragueño and Dean Huijsen laid tributes to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield this evening ahead of Real Madrid's visit to Anfield tomorrow night ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dd1vBBi8px
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 3, 2025
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