Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso makes claim about his ...

In an ideal world, Wednesday would have represented Jurgen Klopp’s final game as Liverpool manager.

The Reds were favourites for this year’s Europa League and really should have at least made it to the final.

But having been surprised in the quarter-finals by Atalanta, it is the Italian side who will instead compete for the trophy in Dublin. There they will face Bayer Leverkusen who are having an unbelievable season.

With the final being in the Irish capital, it would have been an amazing way to send Klopp off. But with his players unable to do the business, the former Liverpool manager will have to watch on TV.

There is a Liverpool connection there, mind you. Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso is the mastermind behind Leverkusen’s phenomenal unbeaten season. And ahead of the game, Alonso has referenced his years at Anfield.

There really is no explanation for what Alonso has done at Leverkusen this season. In his first full year of management, the Spaniard is two games away from going a whole campaign undefeated.

Win both matches, and Alonso and his team will have done an invincible treble. It would be one of the greatest achievements in European football history. No wonder the former Red was the runaway front-runner to succeed Klopp.

Having opted to stay at Leverkusen though, Alonso is clearly still drawing on his experiences with Liverpool.

With Wednesday’s final being in Dublin, the World Cup winner will be surrounded by Liverpool fans. And speaking via Virgin Media Sport ahead of the game, Alonso recalled the ‘connection’ he felt Liverpool had with Ireland during his playing days at Anfield.

“I came here at 14 to Kells,” says the coach. “I enjoyed my summer here. It’s always great to come back, I feel that connection since then.

“Plus my Liverpool years as well, the connection with Ireland is really strong.”

Although we’re more than happy with Arne Slot, it still hurts a little that Liverpool couldn’t persuade Alonso to take up the reigns at Anfield this summer.

The 42-year-old is in the midst of an absolutely stunning season with Leverkusen. He’s clearly a special manager in the making.

Nevertheless, all should not be considered lost with Alonso. Of course, Liverpool fans will be all in on Slot and seeing what he can do. But it still feels as if Xabi will return to the Reds one day.

In the wake of choosing to stay with his current team, there were claims that Alonso is still planning and hoping to take charge at Liverpool in the future.

Whether that does or does not end up happening, it’s obvious that he still holds his time with the Reds dear. Good luck tonight, Xabi.

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