Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has claimed that the Anfield atmosphere could hand the Reds an advantage in their Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City.
The two remaining Premier League teams were drawn against each other in the last eight of the competition having won one game apiece in their Premier League meetings this season, with Liverpool's 4-3 triumph at Anfield being City's only defeat of the campaign so far.
Kuyt returned to Anfield as part of a Liverpool legends side which drew 5-5 with Bayern Munich legends on Saturday, and he believes that his former club could make the most of their home advantage in the first leg.
"It was amazing to be back and with a full crowd it was very special. We think it is normal the stadium is sold out but I don't think in many other places in the world charity games are sold out so we can be very proud of that. It doesn't even matter if it is a friendly game or a Champions League night, the Liverpool crowd is always behind the team," Kuyt is quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo.
"Saturday was a great cause to help many children in the community here and we as players are very proud to be part of that. In a couple of weeks we have the Champions League night and they will be behind the team and it will be an advantage. Everyone knows that: the Liverpool players know that but also the opponent will know that. Let's see what will happen but I am quite sure it will be a special night.
"I think they are doing really well. I was here a while ago to speak about this match and the great donation we are doing altogether and I said Liverpool is developing. The individual players are doing well but I think the next step for them is to achieve things as a team and hopefully they will do that. We will see that in the next few weeks.
"Can they win the Champions League? One step at a time but definitely the game against City will be a very special night like we have had many other special nights."
The first leg of the quarter-final takes place on Wednesday April 4, while the second leg will be at the Etihad Stadium six days later.
Barney Corkhill
