Xabi Alonso admitted his plan to ‘prepare’ his Bayer Leverkusen side for the might of Anfield failed after their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in Champions League.

Alonso returned to Anfield as manager with a rare insight into the relationship between players and fans at Liverpool’s historic stadium.

If his memory was fuzzy before, it certainly wasn’t on the hour mark, as the crowd grew and the Reds scored twice in four minutes to win 4-0.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Alonso explained that it was something he was “trying to prepare for”.

“We can explain a lot of things, but to control this atmosphere that is created, I know the Liverpool players feel it,” he said.

“It’s an extra boost that they feel, that ‘OK, it’s time, now they’re behind us and now we’re going.’

“Defending in those moments is not easy, we tried to prepare before the match so we were ready for that, but in the end it is difficult.

“We (as opponents) were not able to do that in two games, like what happened to Brighton last Saturday.

“To put it into words and say it in words, it’s a lot harder to control on the field.”

Slot himself had no illusions about the influence of the crowd: “If you work or play here, you can have incredible evenings and enjoy them.

“Today, the atmosphere, I said last Saturday ‘it was impressive’, I think it was even more impressive today.”

Alonso received a special welcome from the Liverpool support, as a sign of his own impact on the club during five years as a player.

The Spaniard has been linked to the coaching job as early as Jürgen KloppBut Slot was the preferred candidate, leaving him more of an affectionate visitor on Tuesday night.

“One thing is playing and the other is receiving,” Alonso said.

“I have a bitter feeling with the game, of not enjoying the reception too much, but I really appreciate it and I’m grateful that even after so many years I come here and I have this connection with the club.

“It was good, but it would have been better with a better result. We will have to move forward. »