Xabi Alonso has expressed his confidence in Florian Wirtz finding success at Liverpool, stating it is “just a matter of time” before the £116 million talent shines at Anfield.
Since his high-profile transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, Wirtz has faced scrutiny for not scoring and providing only two assists in 13 appearances across the Premier League and Champions League.
Alonso, a former Liverpool player who coached Wirtz for three seasons at Leverkusen—culminating in the 2024 Bundesliga title—will return to Anfield on Tuesday as the manager of Real Madrid.
“I have no doubts; it’s only a matter of time,” Alonso said in a pre-match press conference regarding Wirtz. “This is a significant opportunity for him, transitioning from Germany to Liverpool after so many years.”
Wirtz was instrumental for Alonso at Leverkusen, recording 11 goals and 11 assists in the Bundesliga for the 2023-24 season, followed by an impressive 10 goals and 12 assists in the 2024-25 season.
“He needs some time to adjust, but he is a truly exceptional talent,” Alonso continued. “He is highly competitive. One of the reasons I’m here is Flo. I hope that not tomorrow, but soon, he’ll be able to demonstrate his skill and class.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been included in the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match, having struggled with injuries that limited him to just 151 minutes in LaLiga and five minutes in the Champions League this season.
“He is fit; he simply didn’t play the other day [against Valencia] due to the circumstances of that match, but he is available,” Alonso remarked. “Tomorrow, he could feature… We need him on the field. Trent has immense quality. It’s a new chapter for him, and we must support him in reaching his potential. He is an outstanding player.”
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Alexander-Arnold, who previously secured the Champions League and two Premier League titles with Liverpool, may face a hostile reaction from fans upon his return to his childhood club, due to their dissatisfaction with the circumstances surrounding his free transfer last summer.
“We haven’t discussed that,” Alonso said. “He will have his own feelings about it, and he should enjoy the experience in his own way. His history differs from mine—he was born here… He deserves to relish that moment. It’s a lovely return for him as well.”