Bayer Leverkusen is struggling to reach the high standards it set for itself last season. Xabi Alonso’s team has already dropped points in five of its nine Bundesliga games, while Tuesday’s 4-0 loss at Liverpool in the Champions League was already its second defeat of the season.

Xabi Alonso played at Anfield for Liverpool for five seasons before leaving but is back as manager with Bayer Leverkusen and has touched the stadium's iconic sign

Xabi Alonso knew what to expect at Anfield and admitted he could not stop the inevitable from happening as his side capitulated.