The Real Madrid man is optimistic about life at Anfield and is also pleased to see compatriot Fernando Torres enjoying success at Chelsea after a difficult start

Ashish Sharma

Based in Gdansk



EXCLUSIVE

Spain and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has claimed that Brendan Rodgers' appointment at Anfield gives him "hope for the future".The 39-year-old replaced Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool boss following the Scot's dismissal last month, and Alonso thinks it is a good appointment.“I think that everyone is really optimistic about the new manager [Brendan Rodgers],” he toldAsked if he was surprised at Rodgers' appointment, Alonso replied: “Not really. As far as I knew, he was one of the ones who was going to be approached. As a Liverpool fan it gives me hope for the future.”The Spaniard admitted he was also delighted to see his former team-mate Fernando Torres win silverware with Chelsea after success on both the domestic and European fronts.“Of course, it was not easy for him [Torres] to take that decision [to leave Liverpool for Chelsea] and it took him some time to settle down,” he said.“But I think he has played his part, he is absolutely pleased with what they have achieved this year.“It has been a massive achievement to lift that European Cup for the first time for Chelsea, [and they won] the FA Cup as well.”Alonso also insisted that despite a difficult start to life at Chelsea, Torres was finally starting to realise his true potential at Stamford Bridge.“Yeah, of course, when he had been so important at Liverpool that he had to play that role, he had to take that importance at Chelsea.“But I think that he is delivering a day-by-day more importance for them [Chelsea] and as far as I know they are happy with him.”