my liverpool fc

Liverpool’s Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted a win against Besiktas is as important as the three points gained at the weekend in the Merseyside derby.

The Reds face a must-win clash with the Turkish side after a poor start to their Group A campaign in this season’s Champions League. Rafa Benitez’ side have picked up just a single point and lost at home last time out to Marseille.

“It's absolutely a must-win game. It is massive because if we are to recover and get in the top two of the group, we have to win this match” Alonso told to the club’s website.

“It's very important, probably even more important than the three points on Saturday.”

When pressed on the effects that a long four hour flight will have on the players Alonso admitted, “It does have an effect but we are used to it. Luckily the game against Arsenal is on Sunday.

“That's good news, it gives us more time to recover from the game and travel.”