Thiago Alcatara's secret that you probably didn't know about

Xabi Alonso is and always will be a Liverpool legend. He played 210 games during his time at Anfield between 2004 and 2009, scored 18 goals, provided 20 assists, won an FA Cup, an English Super Cup and a European Super Cup, but, above all, he will be remembered for his key role in winning the 2005 Champions League. Now, while waiting for a new bench, he has given an interview to the official website of 'Pool' in which he has left several headlines. "Once red, always red. It's not a motto. It's a reality," he confesses.

His role in convincing Thiago Alcantara to move to Anfield, for example, is striking. "We spoke a lot that summer. I told him: 'Thiago, you're at a great club, you're at Bayern [Xabi also played for Bayern] and you've achieved great things, but Liverpool is pure football. If you think you're ready for a new chapter, you won't find a better place. We spoke a lot that summer. I told him: 'Thiago, you're at a great club, you're at Bayern and you've achieved great things, but Liverpool is pure football.

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The former Real Sociedad and Real Madrid man also has a special bond with Jürgen Klopp: "I loved playing against his Dortmund. You could feel he was special. I remember when he signed for Liverpool, I had the feeling that he was the man". I remember when he signed for Liverpool, I had the feeling he was the man.

He has an explanation. "In 2006 we played a pre-season friendly against Mainz and he said Anfield was his favourite stadium. It's something that stuck with me. Klopp, for everything he has done, is a treasure for Liverpool. He is a source of inspiration for the players, for the club, for the fans... for everyone.

Xabi Alonso was key to his arrival at Anfield

Xabi avoided talking about a future in the Anfield dugout, but did refer to his time at Real Sociedad 'B': "I liked it. It's demanding, but very rewarding. My role was to help the youngsters and we achieved a great achievement by getting promoted to the second division. I enjoyed it in a different way. As Johan Cruyff used to say: 'The best thing in football is to play and, afterwards, to train".