Luis García refuses to cheer for ex-teammate Alonso

Luis García has made it clear where his loyalties stand after suggesting he wouldn’t be celebrating if Xabi Alonso led Chelsea to a Premier League title.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona playmaker, now a pundit in Spain, was asked about Alonso’s strong start as Chelsea manager, including a recent 4-1 win over Manchester United. García, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, replied that while he respects Alonso as a friend and teammate, he couldn’t bring himself to cheer for Chelsea’s success in England. His comments come amid a wave of nostalgia for Liverpool’s golden era under Rafael Benítez and Steven Gerrard, a team García was a key part of.

García and Alonso shared time together at both Liverpool and Real Madrid, forming a bond that has lasted years. But García’s allegiance to Liverpool remains strong, especially as the club chases another Premier League title under Jürgen Klopp’s successor. Alonso’s rapid rise at Chelsea has put him in direct competition with Liverpool’s top-four push, making García’s stance more than just a personal preference—it’s a reflection of football’s tribal loyalties. Spanish media has picked up on his remarks, framing them as a subtle but clear declaration of where his heart lies.

With the Premier League title race heating up and Alonso’s Chelsea sitting in the top four, García’s words carry weight. They highlight the emotional pull of club football and how former teammates can find themselves on opposite sides of a rivalry. For Liverpool fans, García’s loyalty is a reminder of the club’s enduring influence, even among those who’ve moved on. The next few months will test these bonds further as Chelsea and Liverpool battle for trophies and bragging rights.