Liverpool are set to face Xabi Alonso during the new Premier League season after the fixtures were released at 10am on Friday. The former Reds midfielder was appointed Chelsea boss in May.
Fixture Details
Liverpool will travel to Stamford Bridge on December 5 to face Alonso's Chelsea. The reverse fixture at Anfield is scheduled for May 1. New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will also line up against his childhood friend Alonso for the first time in his coaching career, having played for the same boys' team in their youth.
Alonso's Liverpool Legacy
Alonso was a Liverpool player from 2004 until 2009, winning the Champions League and FA Cup under Rafa Benitez. Since retiring, the 44-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising coaches in European football.
Alonso's Managerial Career
He was announced as Chelsea boss in May, four months after leaving Real Madrid. Alonso officially begins his new role on July 1 and has signed a four-year deal 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."
Alonso achieved notable success at Bayer Leverkusen, where his side remained unbeaten to claim the club's first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024, also winning the DFB Pokal. He stayed with the German side for another year before taking the Real Madrid job but lasted just over six months at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Previous Links to Liverpool
The ex-Liverpool star was previously linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield in 2024. The speculation continued during Arne Slot's tenure, with the Dutch coach even being asked about the possibility of Alonso taking his job 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."
In March, Alonso's agent Inaki Ibanez dismissed claims that his client had reached an agreement with the Reds. However, the Spanish coach did offer his thoughts about managing Liverpool in the future ahead of Real Madrid facing his old club in the Champions League. "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 insisted he was not close to succeeding 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.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool will hope Iraola can help the Reds recapture the Premier League title after a disappointing campaign last term. Meanwhile, Chelsea will want marked improvement after finishing 10th.
