Xabi Alonso stated that he will celebrate if Chelsea score at Anfield, though his team must manage without the injured Joao Pedro.
Alonso remains highly regarded for helping Liverpool win the 2005 Champions League final and for his seasons in their midfield, but he takes charge against them for the first time as Chelsea manager.
Asked if he would tone down his celebrations because of his past ties, Alonso said, "Of course, I will celebrate, for sure. With full respect, because my warmth with Liverpool was there as a player, but now, I am in a different role. I need to support my team, I need to support my club, I fight for my club and if we score, I will celebrate with full respect. That is the respect for my club and the respect for the opponent as well."
Alonso previously received a warm reception when returning to Anfield with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 during a 4-0 defeat featuring a hat-trick from Luis Diaz and a header from Cody Gakpo.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is also hoping for a positive reception from the crowd.
Alonso noted that this fixture feels different from previous visits, stating, "Different game, different competition, different club. Players have played at Anfield many, many, many times. They know what we are expecting. It's a cup game, being that there can be special moments, some things are different in this kind of game, so I don't know what to expect. For Jordan? Yes, I think so, and for me as well. It's a game after all, you blow the whistle but the respect is around, the connection is there."
Scoring could prove difficult for Chelsea with Joao Pedro sidelined by a thigh injury and Cole Palmer suspended. Alonso confirmed Pedro will likely remain out until after the November international break, stating, "Joao has an injury on his thigh and he is going to be out for a few weeks. Let's see how many. We don't want to predict on that. He's not ready for the next games."
Emmanuel Emegha, Danny Welbeck, and Estevao are available in the squad to form a makeshift attack. Regarding Emegha, Alonso said, "Emegha has special qualities - he has to feel fully fit. He's been training for the last 10 days in a way that allows him to build a strong base for his fitness. And now gradually we want to see him more and more, and maybe tomorrow he has the chance to play."
