Liverpool have discovered when they will come up against club legend Xabi Alonso next season. The former Reds midfielder was named Chelsea manager in May.
Fixtures Announced
The Premier League fixtures were unveiled at 10am on Friday. Liverpool are set to be reunited with Alonso when they meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on December 5.
New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola will also face off against his childhood friend Alonso for the first time in his managerial career, having played for the same boys' team in their youth. The return fixture is scheduled to take place at Anfield on May 1.
Alonso's Career
Alonso represented Liverpool from 2004 until 2009, lifting the Champions League and FA Cup under Rafa Benitez. Since retiring from playing, the 44-year-old has established himself as one of the most promising coaches in European football.
He was confirmed as Chelsea boss in May, four months after departing Real Madrid. Alonso officially starts his new position on July 1 and has penned a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
"Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club," Alonso said in his first interview as manager. "From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies."
Previous Success
Alonso enjoyed remarkable achievements at Bayer Leverkusen, guiding his side to an unbeaten campaign and securing the club's first Bundesliga title in 2024, while also lifting the DFB Pokal. He remained with the German outfit for a further year before accepting the Real Madrid position, yet lasted just over six months at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Liverpool midfielder had previously been touted as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Anfield in 2024. The rumours persisted throughout Arne Slot's time in charge, with the Dutch manager even being quizzed about the prospect of Alonso replacing him back in January.
"Yes, he called me and said: 'What do you think about the team because I am going to take over in six months, can you tell me a little bit more?'" Slot laughed. "Or maybe earlier. Maybe he takes over tomorrow! No, no, no. This is one of the weirdest questions I ever got."
Future Possibilities
In March Alonso's representative, Inaki Ibanez, rubbished suggestions that his client had struck a deal with the Reds. However, the Spanish boss did share his thoughts on the prospect of managing Liverpool in the future, ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League clash against his former club.
"Of course, there is a bond with my former club, but for now, this is my place," Alonso said in November 2025. "[In the] future, you never know what might happen."
He also maintained he was nowhere near taking over from Klopp in 2024. "At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the [Bayer Leverkusen] players and we were really focused on that," Alonso explained.
Season Outlook
Liverpool will be hoping Iraola can guide the Reds back to Premier League title glory following a frustrating campaign last season. Meanwhile, Chelsea will be desperate for a significant turnaround after a dismal 10th-place finish.
