The Japan Times - Alonso says 'quality' Wirtz helped get him Real Madrid job

Together Alonso and Wirtz ended Bayern Munich's stranglehold on the Bundesliga at Bayer Leverkusen, winning a German league and Cup double in 2023/24 without losing a single game.

That success made Alonso the prime candidate to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu when Carlo Ancelotti departed earlier this year.

Wirtz rebuffed the attention of Bayern to move to Liverpool in a £100 million ($131 million) move in June.

However, the 22-year-old has struggled to adjust to the physical rigours of the Premier League.

Wirtz is yet to score for the Reds and has been dropped to the bench for three of Liverpool's last four league games.

Alonso and Wirtz will be reunited on opposite sides for the first time since leaving Germany when Madrid travel to Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I have no doubts it could be just a matter of time," said Alonso, who himself played for Liverpool for five years between 2004 and 2009.

"It is a big change for him to come here after so many years in Germany, he needs to adapt, but he is a really special player.

"He has the quality, the personality, he's competitive...I have no doubts with Flo.

"He was so special and one of the reasons I am here. I am thankful to him and, hopefully not tomorrow, but we are looking forward to him showing his quality and his class."

Trent Alexander-Arnold has also made a slow start following his move to Madrid from Liverpool.

The England international has not featured for the 15-time European champions for nearly two months due to a hamstring injury and Alonso's preference for Federico Valverde at right-back since Alexander-Arnold's return to fitness.

"He has great qualities," added Alonso. "It is a new stage for him on a sporting level but also physically and mentally.

"We need to help him to perform at his best level because he is an exceptional player."

Madrid are among five sides with a perfect record from their opening three Champions League games, while Liverpool sit 10th in the 36-team table, three points behind the leaders.

T.Sasaki--JT