Alonso: Takeover can boost title chances

Xabi Alonso is confident the takeover of Liverpool by American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks can help the Reds challenge the recent dominance of Manchetser United and Chelsea.

It is 17 years since Liverpool were last crowned champions of England and this season they trail the Red Devils and Jose Mourinho’s side in the race for the Barclays Premiership title.

But Alonso, currently preparing for Spain’s friendly with England at Old Trafford on Wednesday, believes the takeover can help change the picture.

He said: “I have been focusing on the England game and we have been expecting news of a takeover at Liverpool and I will definitely welcome that.

“We were expecting the Dubai takeover and then we were expecting the American one which now looks as if it has gone through.

“Can the takeover help us challenge Manchester United and Chelsea? If it helps to develop the club and to have more potential, it will be welcome.

“We all know the great traditions and history of Liverpool Football Club and that is something important for the supporters and the club.

“They (Gillett and Hicks) will be more than welcome and I hope it will mean more success for Liverpool and bolster the structure of the club.”

Spain’s game with England in Madrid two and a half years ago was marred by racist taunts towards Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips who has been recalled to the starting line-up for Wednesday.

England fans are highlighting the campaign against racism with a show of solidarity before the game and this is being welcomed by Alonso.

He said: “There were some things involved in the last game with England that were not related with football.

“We performed at a good level in that game and I would like to repeat that performance but not repeat the things that happened off the pitch.

“It is always welcome to have a campaign against racism. The situation in Spain is improving. It is something you have to deal with.”

Alonso will relish the chance to face his Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard who is acting England captain in place of John Terry.

He said: “We have been speaking about this game, myself and Steven Gerrard, for a while. It is a big game. I hope I will be smiling on Thursday morning.

“I hope it will give Spain confidence for the March game against Denmark in the European Championship.

“It is an extra motivation for me playing against England, the fact I have got team-mates on the opposite side. It makes it a special game.

“It is good for Steven to be captain and, as long as he does as well as he has done for Liverpool, he will be fine.

“For the last few years, he has shown he has had great spirit and been a great character, very supportive of his team-mates. If he does that, he will be successful as England captain.

“We want to win but maybe it’s an opportuity for me to play with a smile on my face knowing I’ve got guys I know on the other side.”

Alonso admitted: “We do have one eye on the Denmark game. It’s a long time since we had a squad together so it’s a good opportunity to regain our team spirit and prepare for that Denmark game.”