From Liverpool teammates to rivals: Garcia awaits Alonso’s Chelsea in Johor

Under floodlights at the 40,000-capacity Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor, Malaysia, the stage is set for a reunion between two Spaniards whose careers began together at Liverpool in 2004.

Luis Garcia, now chief executive of Johor Darul Ta'zim, will welcome Xabi Alonso, Chelsea’s new head coach, when the Blues arrive this Sunday for the final leg of their pre-season tour. The stadium has become a symbol of ambition in Malaysian football, hosting a club that has not lost a domestic match since 2021.

Their connection dates back to 2004, when both signed for Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool on the same day. The friendship has endured nearly two decades, including their shared starting lineup in Liverpool’s dramatic 2005 Champions League final victory over AC Milan.

Garcia recalls Alonso’s early struggles with English during their Liverpool unveiling. “He told me he didn’t speak English too well before our unveiling press conference,” Garcia said. “I answered the first question in Spanish, as we had a translator present, and he answered in perfect English and I thought: ‘Why you little?!’”

Now, Garcia faces Alonso across the touchline as Chelsea conclude their pre-season in Asia. After matches in Australia and against Tottenham, Juventus and AC Milan, the Blues arrive in Johor with elite experience behind them. “Chelsea is the biggest test we will face this season,” Garcia admitted. “I’ll be so happy to welcome them in Johor. The stadium is going to be packed.”

He made his intentions clear: “I can assure you on Sunday we will compete. I wish him all the best [at Chelsea], but even though I love him, hopefully he ends up second to Liverpool next season.”

Johor Darul Ta'zim’s rise under Garcia’s leadership has been rapid. The club has not lost a domestic match since 2021 and is on a world record-equalling 108-game unbeaten run, which could be extended when the Malaysian season restarts in August. “Hopefully in the first game of the season we’ll break one of the most incredible records in football,” Garcia said.

The club’s facilities, modelled on Real Madrid’s training base, reflect its ambition. The owner, Crown Prince His Royal Highness Ismail Tunku, has driven the project forward. “The owner has taken the club on an amazing journey,” Garcia said. “Top-class stadium and training facilities that people will be talking about.”

Garcia splits his time between Spain and Malaysia, where he oversees not only sporting strategy but commercial growth and youth development. Spanish coaches lead the academy, aiming to lift the standard of Malaysian football. “We want to increase the level of Malaysian football and have a fantastic academy,” he said.

Their continental progress is also notable. Johor reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League last season despite operating with a budget of around $15 million—far below rivals exceeding $150 million. “It was difficult against teams with budgets that pass over $150m,” Garcia said. “But we want to contribute to the development of Malaysian football to reach the World Cup someday.”