New Liverpool Xabi Alonso gesture speaks volumes as Arne Slot shows class after Leverkusen win

Bayer Leverkusen trained at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre in Kirkby on Wednesday following their Champions League encounter against the Reds. Xabi Alonso's side suffered a 4-0 defeat at Anfield after Luis Diaz chalked up a hat-trick for Arne Slot's side, while Cody Gakpo continued his good run of form.

The Bundesliga champions arrived on Merseyside at the beginning of the week ahead of their European showdown. Liverpool extended their 100 per cent record in the new-look competition as Leverkusen's difficult start to the campaign continued.

Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Saturday night when they host fellow Champions League side Aston Villa at Anfield with kick-off at 8pm. Meanwhile, Leverkusen return to the league with a visit to to Bochum - eyeing their first league win since October 19, when they beat Eintracht Frankfurt.

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Alonso received a rapturous reception from his former club, in his first competitive return after leaving Anfield in 2009. The iconic midfielder was linked with a return to Liverpool and potentially becoming Jurgen Klopp's successor following his shock departure this summer - but he opted to stay with Die Werkself going invincible in the Bundesliga, achieving historic league and cup success.

Before they returned to North Rhine-Westphalia, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong and co. were afforded to opportunity to train at the Reds' state-of-the-art training complex, a move likely given the green light by Reds boss Arne Slot, though not confirmed.

In a post on X, Leverkusen's official account wrote: "Good morning from the training ground. The #Werkself completed the training session today on the grounds of the @LFC, before heading back to Leverkusen.

"Warm-up and game replacement training is on the agenda," they added, before concluding: "Thank you for your hospitality, @LFC!"

Slot showed his class towards Alonso, in a moment away from the cameras, sharing an embrace in the Anfield tunnel with the visiting manager.