Thursday, July 11, 2013

Alonso Lauds Rodgers Influence

Xabi Alonso believes Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is steering his former club in the right direction and will soon lead the Reds back into the Champions League.

A top four finish proved elusive last season as Liverpool ended a mediocre campaign in seventh spot, 12 points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and 28 behind champions Manchester United.

But Alonso, who was part of Liverpool's Champions League winning campaign in 2005, insists the Anfield club is not far away from returning to the heights of Europe.

"Well I think, especially at the end of the season, we could see the fruits of his work," he told estoesanfield.com. "When Brendan arrived we knew it was a project for a few years, and step by step he started the season trying to establish his methods.

"Maybe he found it a bit harder than he expected, but at the end of the season with the new signings the team played quite well. So we trust that in the next years, the team will come together, become more competitive and reach the Champions League. That is where we want to see it."

Despite Alonso denying rumours that he could return to Anfield earlier this week, the Spain international revealed his fondness of Reds fans when quizzed about their affection for him since he left England.

"Well, it is the same affection I have for them," he added. "I enjoyed five wonderful years, we had great nights and great games. We achieved a Champions League, and I think that will remain in the history forever, so I was a little part of history."

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