Former Liverpool stars Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa hail impact of Kenny Dalglish at Anfield

Kenny Dalglish

Related Links

Teams

Players

Former Liverpool players Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa have praised the impact Kenny Dalglish has had on the club since his appointment in January, and tipped the Reds to have success in the future under his stewardship.

Both players left Anfield in 2009 to join Real Madrid but they revealed they still keep an eye on their former side and are delighted Dalglish has turned the club’s fortunes around.

The departure of Alonso was seen as a particularly big loss two years ago, but the former Liverpool midfielder, who last week refused to rule out a return to Anfield in the future, refuted those claims and insists the club are ready to build a new legacy under their new manager.

Alonso told sportsillustrated.com: “I think that Lucas for example, has improved quite a lot the last few years, he has won a lot of importance in the team and has become quite mature.

“But let’s not think about a new Alonso. Try to think of a new pattern, a new pattern of play, a new idea of how to play and that comes from Kenny, as well as assistant manager Steve Clarke who’s done a great job.

“That’s going to be important to create a style, and that’s what they’re going to try to work on.

“And now, when they sign new players, try to gel them as well as possible.”

Meanwhile, Arbeloa criticised former manager Roy Hodgson for the style of football his side played, but reserved praise for current boss Dalglish.

“I think they played maybe too many long balls under Hodgson,” Arbeloa said.

“I think Liverpool are the type of team that has to play more football.

“Technically they have some really good players and they need to play more football.

“I think with Dalglish, who was one of the best players in the history of Liverpool, they look more confident and they improved a lot.”

Our  provides the best breaking news online and our  football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!