Xabi Alonso has addressed his previous links to the Liverpool hot seat.
Alonso will make an emotional return to his one-time Anfield stomping ground with Bayer Leverkusen for Tuesday’s latest Champions League encounter.
The former Spain international was previously in the running to rejoin the Reds after being installed as an early favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp.
He ended that potential interest by reaffirming his commitment to Leverkusen, leaving his former employers to pursue Arne Slot’s eventual appointment.
But Alonso insists he could not give the prospect of taking the reins on Merseyside much thought due to the Bundesliga club’s historic title run-in.
He said: “At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the Leverkusen players and we were really focused on that.
“It feels great to be back after a few years to be back here. It’s always special. You notice the development of the club, the new stands look pretty amazing.
“For sure tomorrow is a big game against Liverpool in a great moment, it cannot get much better than that and we are looking forward to it.
“Let’s see, I am not thinking that much [about the fans’ reception]. I am more thinking about how to prepare the game.
“Let’s talk about the game tomorrow, it’s more interesting than my future. Let’s talk about the great players on both sides, that is what is in my head.
“For us it is a big challenge to come here.”