Sevilla defender Simon Kjaer believes La Liga is the strongest in the world and his new side are hopeful of continuing their place at Europe’s top table.
Speaking in an interview with The Daily Mirror, the summer signing from Fenerbahce explained the ‘ambition’ that existed in the dressing room for the Andalucians.
“If you only look at the results, La Liga must be the greatest in the world,” Kjaer explained.
“Just think of all the trophies in Champions League and Europa League, that the big Spanish clubs have won in recent seasons.
“There’s ambition, rather than excitement in the dressing room.
“This club have won three of the last four Europa League trophies, so we enter a competition to win it, not to get a nice experience for the diary.
“Nobody in this Sevilla team will be intimidated by Anfield and I am looking forward to playing there, with a lot of respect but not fear. The atmosphere will make us grow, not shrink.”
Captain of the Denmark international side, the 28-year-old explained the significance for him in facing Liverpool first in this season’s competition.
“I grew up with English football – and Liverpool FC in particular – in my childhood home in Denmark, and these are the two best leagues in the world, that is for sure,” Kjaer continued.
“Some of my family are lifelong, die-hard Liverpool supporters, so I’m not completely sure they will support me 100 per cent in this game.
“When I played for Denmark against England, my dad practically forced me to swap shirts with Steven Gerrard — so he could have it.
“My own football passion is linked to my club and my national team. It is different when you play yourself. I am a professional and not a fan of any other club than the one I represent.
“Daniel Agger? I know he really enjoyed playing for Liverpool and serving this great club, but I think the Danish affinity for them goes back a lot longer.
“Generations of football-mad Danish kids have been brought up on the English game and Liverpool have been a great club in the last 50 years.
“It is this kind of game, that I live – and play football – for.
“It’s the greatest scene for a game like this in the Champions League; top level and everything is vibrant around you.
“Of course the European nights at Anfield are world famous, but we will try to make this one is not so enjoyable for the Liverpool fans.”
Image via @SevillaFC
