Sakho: Friends will be forgotten today
Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho could bump into as many as 10 of his compatriots at St James' Park today – but the Frenchman will have little time for friendship when the first whistle is blown.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has a total of 10 French players to choose from within his squad for the Barclays Premier League clash against the Reds, meaning Sakho will pass by many familiar faces.
The 23-year-old spent his whole career on the other side of the channel before joining Liverpool in the summer and recently earned a recall to Didier Deschamps' national team.
Once the action gets underway this lunchtime, however, the only thought in Sakho's mind will be the chance to claim another three points and extend a bright start to the season.
"I'm certain it's not going to be an easy match," the Reds' No.17 told Liverpoolfc.com.
"They are a very good team and I know a lot of them as well; I spent some time with them last week with the French national team. We play in the same colour shirt representing our country, of course, but here there are no friends.
"During 90 minutes when you play against your mates in a different colour shirt, you are there to keep them down. You are friends one day and rivals the next.
"For 90 minutes, they will be my rivals. After the match, the big battle, we might have a drink together. But I'll be there to defend my colours.
"I've spoken with some of those players. The home support Newcastle have is strong. They help them when they are in the ascendancy, when they are attacking.
"They are going to attack. But we are going there to come away with the three points, that's the goal we have set ourselves."
Sakho has featured in each of the Reds' five fixtures in all competitions since sealing his transfer to Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day in September.
The powerful centre-back is determined to adapt to a new country and culture as quickly as possible, although on the pitch he adopts a more patient approach.
He added: "It's going well - I'm happy and happy in myself. The staff are helping me a great deal here.
"I arrived in a country where I didn't know the language or the style of play, but over the course of matches I've been trying to work to adapt myself as quickly as possible to the team effort.
"We look at the standings in the table. I hope that the team continues to progress as we can and keep working as we have done since the start of the season, but really concentrate match by match.
"It's as simple as that. To come away with three points is the ideal and we'll tally them up at the end of the season. That's the important thing."