Xabi Alonso has credited Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz for playing a significant role in shaping his current career as Chelsea manager. The two enjoyed a successful partnership at Bayer Leverkusen, where they were part of a team that went unbeaten in 51 consecutive matches during the 2023-24 Bundesliga season, ultimately securing the club’s first league title. Wirtz, a German international, contributed 18 goals and 19 assists across all competitions that season before transferring to Liverpool in a £116 million move shortly after Alonso left for Real Madrid.
Since joining Liverpool, Wirtz, 23, has faced challenges adapting to the Premier League and has come under criticism for his performances. Nevertheless, Alonso, who will return to Anfield for the first time as Chelsea manager in a Carabao Cup fourth-round match on Thursday, expressed respect and admiration for Wirtz’s talent and potential. “He was a special player, he helped me so much, I learnt so much from him,” Alonso said. “Now that he’s in Liverpool, I’m following him. The next step is always an interesting one, and he’s getting there.”
Chelsea enter the match at Anfield under pressure after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Blues will be without forward Cole Palmer, who is suspended, and key striker Joao Pedro, who sustained a thigh injury in training and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. The Brazil international’s absence adds to the team’s attacking concerns heading into the matchup against a Liverpool side eager to progress in the cup competition.
With Pedro unavailable, Danny Welbeck is likely to lead Chelsea’s attack after being omitted from the starting lineup against Tottenham. Additionally, Emmanuel Emegha, signed from Strasbourg during the summer and recently recovered from injury, may make his debut for the Blues. Speaking about Emegha’s fitness, Alonso said, “It’s important that we have him available because he has special qualities. He has to feel fully fit. He’s been training for the last couple of weeks, 10 days, in a good way that allows him to build a strong base for his fitness and now gradually we want to see him, and maybe tomorrow he has the chance to play.”
The Carabao Cup fixture represents a pivotal moment for Chelsea as Alonso looks to steady his squad in the face of recent setbacks and fitness issues while returning to a familiar yet challenging venue.