Xhaka looks ahead to Anfield trip: “I know what it's like to play there”

Granit Xhaka is looking forward to Bayer Leverkusen’s trip to Anfield, where he has played a number of times with Arsenal.

Bayer Leverkusen face a tough Champions League test when they travel to Anfield Road to take on Liverpool on Tuesday.

As a former Arsenal player, Leverkusen midfield linchpin Granit Xhaka knows just how difficult it can be to play at Liverpool’s home ground.

“Liverpool are a different calibre, especially at Anfield. I know what it’s like to play there,” he told Kicker in the wake of Leverkusen’s 0-0 draw with Stuttgart on Friday.

“We are looking forward to the game. It’s the Champions League, in the evening in Liverpool. First of all we have to enjoy the game,” he added.

“Of course we know how much quality they have. But we don’t have to hide. We’ll go there and hopefully play with the same intensity as we did against Stuttgart. And then we have to reward ourselves.”

While Xhaka clearly has plenty of respect for Liverpool, the 31-year-old is well aware that the Reds aren’t invincible.

“We will analyze Liverpool. Of course we know where their strengths lie. But I think every team has some weaknesses. And you have to exploit them,” he stressed.

The game kicks off at 21:00 CET on Tuesday.