Thaindian News

London, Feb 20 (ANI): Javier Mascherano has said that Manchester City may have more money than Liverpool, but they cannot simply purchase the sort of tradition and history that the Anfield outfit has.

The Reds go to Eastlands tomorrow knowing defeat would leave City four points to the good with a game in hand, in the battle for fourth place and that crucial, final Champions League slot.

Missing out on a seat at Europe’s top table would be a nightmare for everyone at Anfield, as City aim to establish themselves as regulars among the game’s big guns.

Mascherano accepts that City are streets ahead of the Kop kings when it comes to spending power, they will never have the passion and pride there is at Anfield, The Sun reports.

The Argentina skipper said: “City have bought some very good players and they have a very good team, but I will say one thing - you can buy players, but you cannot buy history.

“I certainly don’t want to play for City. You can buy stars, you can spend a lot of money to be in the top four, more than us I know, but you can’t buy what we have at Anfield.”

“Here we play with the history of the club behind us. We don’t have their money but we are proud to play for Liverpool. I know that they have the money and they are building a good side but I am still so proud to play for Liverpool,” he said.

Mascherano said Liverpool’s knowledge of handling the burden of expectation can give his side a crucial edge.

He said: “It is normal for Liverpool to play under pressure all the time, but maybe not for City. And although they have spent a lot of money to reach the top four, and have some good players, so do we. I think City respect Liverpool because of our history. We will fight until the end.” (ANI)