Steven Gerrard and Thiago Alcantara both featured for Liverpool Legends against Borussia Dortmund Legends as Jurgen Klopp made his return to Anfield
Thiago Alcantara and Steven Gerrard
Thiago Alcantara and Steven Gerrard
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Steven Gerrard revealed he had to make himself available for Liverpool Legends the minute he knew Thiago Alcantara was going to be playing.
Thiago stole the show on his return to Anfield as he produced a man-of-the-match performance against Borussia Dortmund Legends.The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich star opened the scoring after just six minutes and should have had a second a couple of minutes later.
He continually linked up with Gerrard during the opening 45 minutes as Liverpool headed into the break 2-0 up thanks to a brilliant strike from Jay Spearing.
And even though Dortmund forced a 2-2 draw through goals from Mohamed Zidan and Jan Koller in the second half, the Reds great loved playing alongside Thiago.
“As soon as I knew Thiago was on the list, I made myself available,” Gerrard said. “The respect is mutual.”
While Thiago, speaking alongside the club's former captain, said: “It’s amazing. Two things got together – that is a full Anfield and playing with this legend [Gerrard]. It was an unbelievable moment and I will keep it with me for sure.
“When I scored, Stevie came and I told him it was the first sprinting I did since I arrived in Liverpool! Why not?! In that moment we just react, we are comfortable in the box. It’s nice to score.”
Reflecting on the experience and day, Gerrard said: “It’s a fantastic buzz. The last time I played football and saw these guys was one year ago.
Steven Gerrard celebrates with Thiago after his goal
Thiago and Steven Gerrard rolled back the years as Liverpool legends played Dortmund on Saturday
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“It’s too long, but everyone is busy doing their own thing. When the invite comes to come and be part of this, you can’t wait to get together.
“We’re one big family. The club are amazing [with] what they do for ex-players. The support we’ve had today, 60,000 – come on, no other club in the world does this, 60,000 for exhibition games.
“The big thing for me is where the money goes, it goes to fantastic causes, helping a lot of people in need. And that’s the reason why we’re all here today.”
Jurgen Klopp was back at Anfield for the first time since watching the Reds lift the Premier League title last season.
Fans were delighted to see Jurgen Klopp back at Anfield.
Fans were delighted to see Jurgen Klopp back at Anfield.(Image: PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images)
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And ahead of the game, the German delivered a powerful speech to the Liverpool players, with club goalscoring great John Aldridge revealing: “Jurgen did a little piece before the game and it was sublime.
“Lovely words, wisdom, telling the players to enjoy these moments when the football is past you. I wouldn't say it was emotional, but it was brilliant.
“It's a hard job with 26 players! Everyone has to play and we lost a bit of balance when Martin came off – that's why we lost the lead!
“But Dortmund did really well and we thank them for coming. We went there a few years ago, and the beer was very good in Dortmund. They'll get the same tonight.”