Xabi Alonso admitted his Anfield return had been a “painful” expertise as Luis Diaz’s hat-trick helped Liverpool to a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
The German champions had the higher of the primary half however the floodgates opened as soon as Diaz put the house facet forward shortly after the hour mark.
Cody Gakpo was additionally on the scoresheet as Liverpool continued their spectacular begin to life underneath Arne Slot.
Liverpool v Leverkusen = The Luis Diaz Present ✨
All three targets from the Colombian of their 4-0 victory… ⚽️⚽️⚽️#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/fqh6uW0aQq
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) November 5, 2024
For Alonso, nevertheless, his hopes of a optimistic consequence again on Merseyside had been dashed as his facet capitulated after going behind.
The previous Liverpool midfielder advised Amazon Prime: “I feel that within the first half, we had been fairly good. Second half, we weren’t so good and we weren’t capable of preserve the ball nicely or discover the positions. Our depth within the defence obtained decrease they usually weren’t squeezing a lot. The second aim was exhausting for us. The result’s painful, the efficiency is extra painful.
“It could occur that you simply come to Anfield and lose. To lose 4-0 will not be good. They’re a prime, prime group they usually punished us. It was a pity we couldn’t maintain 1-0 for 15 to twenty minutes. They did it in opposition to Brighton, they did it in opposition to us.”
‘Congratulate Liverpool and transfer on’
Alonso mentioned he wouldn’t dwell too lengthy on the consequence.
He added: “We had been prepared to come back right here and provides our greatest. We did okay for some half however the sport modified in 20 minutes. Liverpool are sturdy. We lacked some energy and consistency. Defeat, settle for it, congratulate Liverpool and transfer on.”
Alonso grateful for heat reception
The Spaniard, who was closely linked with the Liverpool job earlier than it went to Slot, was a preferred determine throughout his time as a participant at Anfield and was afforded a heat reception from the Kop earlier than and after the sport.
He mentioned: “I’ll attempt to separate the sport and the ache from the consequence to the emotions of coming again and having love. I’m actually grateful to have that reception.
“It’s early to inform however I can see that Liverpool have an excellent steadiness, a really full group. They work the 11 gamers they usually have the ability to carry a clear sheet which is essential within the Champions League. Within the Premier League, let’s see. It’s early to inform but it surely’s wanting good.”