In the build-up to Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City, we spoke to Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamann to gauge his thoughts on the big game.
The German midfielder enjoyed a distinguished Anfield career, making 283 appearances for the Reds between 1999-2006 and playing a crucial role in the 2005 Champions League final success in Istanbul.
After leaving Liverpool, Hamann went on to represent City for three years and is therefore well positioned to discuss the encounter between two of his former teams.
In an exclusive interview with Liverpoolfc.tv, the man nicknamed the Kaiser explains why he is confident we can end City's unbeaten home record, why the Reds will forever be 'his club', and reveals just exactly what he's been doing down at the Academy recently.
So Didi, it's Liverpool against City on Sunday. How do you assess the game?
Liverpool have put themselves in a better position than they were maybe four to six weeks ago when it looked a bit bleak. They've been on a great run since then and put themselves right back in the race, while the other teams have dropped points. The momentum is with Liverpool at the moment and if they don't get beat on Sunday, I think they'll have a fantastic chance of finishing in the top four.
Rafa has said Liverpool will go there with an attacking approach...
I think they will - they always do. Rafa always tries to win matches and even when the team have scored one or two, he is still keen for them to go forward. City are not too confident at the moment after a few recent bad results and it could be a good time to play them. Tevez might not play, they've also got a few players out, and as I said, Liverpool look in much better shape now.
Who will be the key players if Liverpool are to get a result?
The defence will be crucial, even though City haven't been scoring too many goals lately. If he's selected, I also think Ngog will have a key role to play to hold the ball up and allow the team to move up the pitch and get into dangerous areas. With the way Liverpool set up with two wide men and Stevie just off the front, it's important the striker holds the ball up and allows his teammates to get forward.
What have you made of City so far this season?
They've done okay, but I think with the squad they've got they should have a few more points on the board. With Liverpool making a bad start to the season, City should be further ahead. Obviously they've brought in a new manager. Mancini has changed a few things and they're going the right way, but I think they should have done a little bit better.
As you've mentioned, City could be without Carlos Tevez - how much of a blow will that be to them?
It could be an advantage for Liverpool. He wasn't the most prolific goalscorer at West Ham or Manchester United, but he's definitely got his scoring boots on this season and can't seem to stop getting goals. He is their main threat and has been playing well, so it will be a big blow for City if he is out. Adebayor is up and down and you never know what you'll get from him - he can be brilliant one day and then quiet the next. Santa Cruz has also been out injured and Tevez has been the only one who has been scoring on a consistent basis.
Who are their other main danger men?
They've got Petrov, Ireland, Wright-Phillips and Bellamy, but I think Adebayor will lead the attack. As I said, he's got great ability, but he doesn't do it on a consistent basis. Liverpool will need to watch him closely though, because on his day he is a very, very good player and can hurt teams.
How much of an impact will this game have on the race for a top four finish?
It's a massive game and I think Liverpool would probably be happy with a draw now, which you wouldn't have said a few weeks ago because you thought at the time they'd need to beat City at Eastlands. City still have a game in hand, so if they win it will be a big victory for them. But the way Liverpool are playing at the moment, they're not conceding many goals and I don't see them losing on Sunday. If Liverpool do get a result, there's every chance they will get that top four spot. Liverpool have got good players to come back from injury and have possibly also got the easier run in as City have some tough games to come. Whoever wins on Sunday will take momentum into their final games.
Having played for both sides, which team do you want to win on Sunday?
Well I think it's well known Liverpool are my favourites and I would have liked to have finished my career there. I am grateful to City and had a good time there, but my heart will always be with Liverpool - my club. When I come back it's like coming home. I want Liverpool to do well on Sunday.
Is it fair to say you feel like something of an honorary Scouser?
Yes. It's a unique club and people who have never played for Liverpool won't realise that - it's like a big family. The city and the club are so close together and it's been that way for the last 30-40 years now. It's remarkable. As I say, whenever I come back it feels like coming home. Hopefully I can work for the club again one day - that would be fantastic.
Will you be at Sunday's game?
Yes, I've got tickets but I think I'll be amongst the City guys, so I'll have to keep quiet if Liverpool score!
What's your prediction?
1-0 to Liverpool.
Finally, I can't let you go without asking for an update on what you're doing with yourself these days...
I am carrying on with my coaching badges at the moment, and that's about it. Hopefully sooner rather than later something will come up that's right for me and I can get back into football.
You're also doing some work at Liverpool's Academy...
Yes, that's right - I've done a few hours there. It's not permanent and I go along when it suits me. I need some practice and need to get some hours in to go towards my first coaching badge. I've been there for the last three or four months doing some work with the 15 and 16-year-olds. They're good kids and there are some very good players there. Obviously they are the future and it's enjoyable to work with them and try to help them improve. Hopefully one of them will go on to play for Liverpool's first-team one day. I often also go along to watch the under-16s and under-18s.
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