Xabi Alonso hosts a classic film night for his teammates

Along with The Godfather, Citizen Kane and Speed 2: Cruise Control, Casablanca is considered one of the greatest films of all time. According to sources at Liverpool, Humphrey Bogart’s highly romanticised battle between love and the Nazis has inspired Liverpool’s resurgence in form.

Xabi Alonso - who has gained acting experience from starring roles in Juno and Arrested Development - has been encouraging his teammates to bond by hosting classic film nights at his home. Alonso, Pepe Reina and Albert Reira are said to favour the 1942 romantic drama.