Garcia hopes long-term friend Alonso's Chelsea finish second to Liverpool

When Chelsea arrives in Malaysia for the final leg of their pre-season tour, new manager Xabi Alonso will be reunited with a familiar face: former Liverpool teammate Luis Garcia. Garcia, now the chief executive of Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), will welcome Chelsea to the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Sunday.

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He told me he didn't speak English too well before our unveiling press conference.

The two Spaniards share a history dating back to 2004 when they both joined Liverpool on the same day. Despite facing each other in Spain, their first proper meeting was at Anfield. Garcia recalled their initial press conference, joking about Alonso's claim of poor English before he spoke perfectly. Both players were part of Liverpool's dramatic Champions League victory in 2005 and later played together for Spain.

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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?!'

Garcia described their relationship as "really good friends" who have stayed in touch. However, he acknowledged that Alonso faces a significant challenge in this friendly match. "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. We can't wait to challenge ourselves against a top club, top players and it is great to face Alonso. I can assure you on Sunday we will compete."

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Chelsea is the biggest test we will face this season.

While wishing Alonso well at Chelsea, Garcia humorously added, "even though I love him, hopefully he ends up second to Liverpool next season." JDT has been preparing for Chelsea with matches against other European teams, drawing with Rangers and Elche, and beating Cartagena. The club is currently on a world-record equalling 108-game unbeaten run in domestic matches, a streak they hope to extend when the Malaysian season restarts in August. They also reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League last season.

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I'll be so happy to welcome them in Johor. The stadium is going to be packed.