Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has insisted his former club Liverpool must show patience in order to progress under Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds currently sit ninth in the Premier League, have been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions, and are on the brink of elimination from the Europa League following Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Zenit.

But Alonso, who made 210 appearances for the Merseyside outfit, earning Champions League and FA Cup winners' medals along the way, says the club must give their coach a chance to prove his worth.

"With Brendan, Liverpool are building a project," Alonso told the BBC. "They need to be patient. We all want to see Liverpool fighting for the Champions League places."

The 31-year old, who left Anfield to join los Blancos back in 2009, also revealed that his former team is still close to his heart.

"I still follow the Premier League and I still feel very attached to Liverpool and I follow them. I consider myself a Liverpool fan," he added.

Alonso will return to England on March 5 for the second leg of his side's Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester United.