Xabi Alonso was due to meet Florian Wirtz again on Wednesday evening, when Chelsea travel to Liverpool in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield Road. Ahead of the match, Alonso praised the Liverpool player he had previously worked with at Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso's words on Wirtz
Alonso said: "One of the main reasons I am sitting here today is the time I spent with him in Leverkusen."
Alonso worked with Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen from 2022 to 2025. In 2025, Alonso left Bayer Leverkusen, joined Real Madrid as Ancelotti's successor, was dismissed after a short time and now coaches Chelsea.
Alonso said: "He was a special player who helped with so much. I learned a lot from him and I still follow him now that he is at Liverpool. We all know that the next step is always an interesting one, and he is getting better and better."
Wirtz's recent matches
In 2025, Wirtz moved to Liverpool for a transfer fee of €125 million. Across his past four matches, Wirtz has registered four goal contributions.
On Sunday, Wirtz's deflected shot led to Liverpool's opening goal in a 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion. Wirtz later twisted his ankle and was substituted after just over an hour against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Fitness remains unclear
After that match, Wirtz told Sky: "We haven't done any checks yet. I don't think it's too serious. I've twisted my ankle now and then in recent weeks. I need to get that under control."
GOAL reported that whether Wirtz can play against Alonso in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday remains unclear.
Coach Andoni Iraola said it "doesn't look like anything major". He added: "We play every three days. That's why we have to see how he is."