The Merseyside derby is one of the keenest fought derbies in Premiership football and Xabi Alonso feels Liverpool’s foreign contingent are just as motivated to get a positive result as his Scouse team mates, in this, the 206th meeting of two historic clubs.
Manager Rafael Benitez has brought many foreign payers to Anfield during his reign, but Spanish midfield intenational, Xabi Alonso, feels the importance of the derby is not lost on Liverpool’s foreign contingent.
The midfielder is a doubt for the game, as he is recovering from a metatarsal injury but recognises the importance of the rivalry to the fans.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv "I don't know how you would compare who feels what, but the foreign lads always know it's a special game.
"You pick up on the atmosphere when you're out and about, of course. Everyone on both sides can't wait for kick-off – it's a really big day for the city.
"We know how much it means to the people. They have family who might support the other team and they talk about it.
"The excitement is the same amongst the players. I'm looking forward to it, though of course this week it's different because the whole squad is not here. We'll only have two days together as a squad.
"But it's against the other team from this city, and for the fans it means a lot. I don't know if it means more for the local lads than the foreign players, but I'm pretty sure we'll be as committed as them."
Liverpool need a victory to keep their league title aspirations alive, in what is an important month for the club, as they face Besitkas in the Champions League next week followed by the visit of league leaders Arsenal, to Anfield.
Manager Rafael Benitez has brought many foreign payers to Anfield during his reign, but Spanish midfield intenational, Xabi Alonso, feels the importance of the derby is not lost on Liverpool’s foreign contingent.
The midfielder is a doubt for the game, as he is recovering from a metatarsal injury but recognises the importance of the rivalry to the fans.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv "I don't know how you would compare who feels what, but the foreign lads always know it's a special game.
"You pick up on the atmosphere when you're out and about, of course. Everyone on both sides can't wait for kick-off – it's a really big day for the city.
"We know how much it means to the people. They have family who might support the other team and they talk about it.
"The excitement is the same amongst the players. I'm looking forward to it, though of course this week it's different because the whole squad is not here. We'll only have two days together as a squad.
"But it's against the other team from this city, and for the fans it means a lot. I don't know if it means more for the local lads than the foreign players, but I'm pretty sure we'll be as committed as them."
Liverpool need a victory to keep their league title aspirations alive, in what is an important month for the club, as they face Besitkas in the Champions League next week followed by the visit of league leaders Arsenal, to Anfield.
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