Frank Lampard has spoken about the atmosphere at Anfield before kick-off as Liverpool prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League
Frank Lampard has explained how the hostile atmosphere created by Liverpool supporters often begins before a ball is even kicked. The Reds return to Champions League tonight when they welcome Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side have won all three of their league phase matches in the competition so far this season, with victories against AC Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig. Leverkusen have seven points from their first three games and, like Liverpool, are undefeated in the tournament.
The game will see Xabi Alonso return to Anfield for the first time as a manager. The former Spain international was briefly linked with taking the manager’s job at Liverpool earlier this year before the Reds appointed Slot.
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Alonso enjoyed five years as a player at Liverpool, and the Reds fans were spotted providing a hostile atmosphere as the 42-year-old arrived on the opposition team bus alongside the Leverkusen squad. Lampard watched as the German club arrived at Anfield and explained how the attempted intimidation used to give him extra motivation when he either played or managed against Liverpool.
“I’ve done a few of these [arriving in the opposition coach at Anfield],” Lampard told Amazon Prime.
“I think it’s part of the attraction for me, I loved it [and] I loved the hostility. I think it gets you up for the game, and it’s something you cannot shy away from at this level.
“It’s pretty unique. I’ve played against the atmosphere here, and I’ve managed a mile down the road [at Everton], and the fans are very similar. They support their team and turn out in huge numbers.
“You talk about a 12th man, it starts here [team bus arriving] before the game. That feeling of, ‘Are you up for it today?'”
