Xabi Alonso Plans to Celebrate Chelsea Goals Against Liverpool in Carabao Cup Clash
In an upcoming Carabao Cup match on Wednesday night, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has stated he will celebrate if his team scores against his former club Liverpool. The 44-year-old Spaniard, who took the helm at Chelsea over the summer, travels back to Anfield for the first time since accepting his managerial role.
When discussing his potential reaction to a Chelsea goal, Alonso said, “Of course, I will celebrate, for sure. With full respect because for sure, my warmth with Liverpool was there as a player.” He added, “But now, I am in a different role, I need to support my team, I need to support my club, I fight for my club and if we score, I will celebrate with whole respect. That is the respect for my club and the respect for the opponent as well.”
This match marks Alonso’s third return to Anfield as a visiting manager, following his previous stints with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen in recent seasons.
Earlier, Alonso explained to BBC Sport that his decision to join Chelsea rather than Liverpool was “about timings.” His transition came after former Liverpool manager Arne Slot was dismissed and replaced by Andoni Iraola. Despite being linked with Liverpool, Alonso chose to remain at Leverkusen, where he had an impressive first season leading the team to a league and cup double.
As he prepares for the match, Alonso also provided an update on striker Joao Pedro, indicating that he is likely to be sidelined until after the international break in November.
