Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso admits he's keeping tabs on Liverpool's progress under Brendan Rodgers.

He explained to BBC Sport how he still feels close to Liverpool and that he monitors the team's progress from afar.

"With Brendan, Liverpool are building a project," said Alonso.

"They need to be patient. We all want to see Liverpool fighting for the Champions League places.

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