Xabi Alonso admitted his Anfield return had been a “painful” expertise as Luis Diaz’s hat-trick helped Liverpool to a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
The German champions had the higher of the primary half however the floodgates opened as soon as Diaz put the house aspect forward shortly after the hour mark.
Cody Gakpo was additionally on the scoresheet as Liverpool continued their spectacular begin to life beneath Arne Slot.
Liverpool v Leverkusen = The Luis Diaz Present ✨
All three objectives from the Colombian of their 4-0 victory… ⚽️⚽️⚽️#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/fqh6uW0aQq
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) November 5, 2024
For Alonso, nonetheless, his hopes of a optimistic outcome again on Merseyside have been dashed as his aspect capitulated after going behind.
The previous Liverpool midfielder informed Amazon Prime: “I feel that within the first half, we have been fairly good. Second half, we weren’t so good and we weren’t in a position to hold the ball effectively or discover the positions. Our depth within the defence bought decrease and so they weren’t squeezing a lot. The second objective was laborious for us. The result’s painful, the efficiency is extra painful.
“It could occur that you just come to Anfield and lose. To lose 4-0 is just not good. They’re a prime, prime workforce and so they punished us. It was a pity we couldn’t maintain 1-0 for 15 to twenty minutes. They did it towards Brighton, they did it towards us.”
‘Congratulate Liverpool and transfer on’
Alonso mentioned he wouldn’t dwell too lengthy on the outcome.
He added: “We have been prepared to return right here and provides our greatest. We did okay for some half however the sport modified in 20 minutes. Liverpool are robust. We lacked some energy and consistency. Defeat, settle for it, congratulate Liverpool and transfer on.”
Alonso grateful for heat reception
The Spaniard, who was closely linked with the Liverpool job earlier than it went to Slot, was a well-liked determine throughout his time as a participant at Anfield and was afforded a heat reception from the Kop earlier than and after the sport.
He mentioned: “I’ll attempt to separate the sport and the ache from the outcome to the sentiments of coming again and having love. I’m actually grateful to have that reception.
“It’s early to inform however I can see that Liverpool have an excellent stability, a really full workforce. They work the 11 gamers and so they have the ability to carry a clear sheet which is essential within the Champions League. Within the Premier League, let’s see. It’s early to inform nevertheless it’s wanting good.”
