Xabi Alonso credits Wirtz for helping shape his coaching career ahead of reunion

Xabi Alonso has praised Florian Wirtz for his influence on his coaching career ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup meeting with Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.

According to GOAL.com, the Chelsea manager reflected on his successful working relationship with the Germany international during their time together at Bayer Leverkusen between 2022 and 2025. Alonso guided Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal in the 2023/24 season, with Wirtz playing a central role in the team’s attacking success.

“I can only speak about my time with Flo at Bayer Leverkusen,” Alonso said. “One of the main reasons I am sitting here today is the time I spent with him in Leverkusen.” He added: “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 has recently improved after a challenging start following his €125 million move to Liverpool in 2025, recording four goal contributions across his previous four matches. However, an ankle injury sustained against Brighton has cast doubt over his availability for Wednesday’s reunion with his former manager.