Once a Red, always a Red! Liverpool supporters made their feelings clear as former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso returned to Anfield on Wednesday night — this time as the manager of Chelsea!
Despite now sitting in the opposition dugout and preparing to lead a rival club against Liverpool, Alonso received a warm welcome from the Anfield faithful ahead of the Carabao Cup clash between the two Premier League giants.
🎥 A video shared by the official Carabao Cup account on X captured the Spaniard arriving at the stadium with his Chelsea squad, with Liverpool supporters applauding him as he made his way towards the ground.
It was a special moment that showed just how much respect Alonso still commands among Liverpool fans, even though his current job requires him to compete against the club where he became a fan favourite.
🔴 FIVE YEARS AT ANFIELD THAT LIVERPOOL FANS WILL NEVER FORGET!
Alonso spent five memorable years at Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, making 210 appearances for the Reds and scoring 19 goals across all competitions.
He quickly established himself as one of the most intelligent and technically gifted midfielders of his generation. His exceptional passing range, composure under pressure, ability to control the tempo of matches and eye for a spectacular long-range goal made him a crucial figure in Liverpool’s midfield.
Under Rafael Benitez, Alonso became an important part of a Liverpool side that enjoyed unforgettable European nights and delivered major trophies.
🏆 ISTANBUL 2005 — THE NIGHT THAT MADE HISTORY!
Of all Alonso’s memories in a Liverpool shirt, the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan remains one of the most unforgettable.
Liverpool found themselves trailing 3-0 at half-time against a Milan side packed with world-class talent. What followed became one of the greatest comebacks in football history.
Steven Gerrard inspired the fightback, Vladimir Smicer added another goal, and Alonso played his part in the incredible turnaround.
After Smicer’s strike brought Liverpool closer, Alonso scored from the rebound after his penalty had been saved by Dida, making it 3-3 and sending the Liverpool supporters into absolute madness.
The Reds eventually won the final on penalties, securing their fifth European Cup in dramatic fashion.
That night cemented Alonso’s place in Liverpool history and ensured that his name would always be associated with one of the club’s greatest achievements.
🏆 His Anfield journey also included the 2006 FA Cup triumph and the 2005 UEFA Super Cup. He was also part of the Liverpool team that reached the Champions League final again in 2007.
Those memories do not disappear simply because a former player changes clubs.
🔵 FROM LIVERPOOL HERO TO CHELSEA MANAGER!
Alonso’s return to Anfield in Chelsea colours added another fascinating chapter to his football journey.
This time, there was no opportunity to pull on the famous Liverpool shirt and dictate the game from midfield. Instead, his responsibility was to guide Chelsea from the touchline and try to secure a positive result against the club where he enjoyed some of the finest moments of his playing career.
The contrast was striking: a man once celebrated for helping Liverpool conquer Europe now standing in the opposition dugout, preparing to compete against the Reds.
Yet the reception from the supporters showed that football rivalries do not always erase the respect earned through years of service.
Liverpool fans may want their team to defeat Chelsea, but that does not mean they have forgotten what Alonso contributed to the club.
❤️ ANFIELD NEVER FORGETS ITS OWN!
The applause Alonso received was more than a simple greeting. It was a reminder of the connection he built with Liverpool supporters during his five years at the club.
From his performances in midfield to his contribution to the miracle in Istanbul, Alonso gave the fans memories that will remain part of Liverpool’s history for generations.
His managerial career may take him down a different path, and his current role at Chelsea means he will now be judged by what he achieves against Liverpool as well as other rivals.
But when he walks back into Anfield, the history between him and the supporters will always matter.
Xabi Alonso may be Chelsea’s manager today, but for many Liverpool fans, he will always be one of the Reds who helped make history. ❤️🔴
YNWA! ❤️
💬 LIVERPOOL FANS, DO YOU STILL HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR HEART FOR XABI ALONSO, DESPITE HIM NOW MANAGING CHELSEA?
👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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