Mind the GAP
Adam Lallana admits Reds cannot afford more slip-ups because being a big club no longer guarantees success
IT IS a slight exaggeration to call today’s game between fallen heavyweights Liverpool and Manchester United a mid-table clash, but Anfield midfielder Adam Lallana accepts anything other than victory will realistically end his side’s top-four ambitions.
From the days of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, through to Alex Ferguson, at least one of England’s two most successful clubs have always challenged for titles. No longer.
United lie sixth after a run of one Premier League win in seven games. Liverpool are three points further adrift with a negative goal difference.
Intriguingly, Lallana – who developed his career at Southampton before a £25million move to Liverpool in 2014 – believes that not even the biggest clubs can now guarantee success.
‘This is the strongest league in the world,’ says the England international. ‘A number of teams can win it. Look at Leicester. People were writing them off after we beat them, thought they would go on a dip, but they are making it very interesting. I can see this sort of thing happening for the next few seasons. You are not just going to get two or three teams running away with it.’
Given the competition, Lallana admits Liverpool and manager Jurgen Klopp cannot allow the gap between them and the top four Champions League spots to grow wider.
‘We need to take the opportunity this weekend,’ is his candid assessment. ‘If we get the three points, we put ourselves right back in the mix.
‘It feels like we keep getting within touching distance and taking a step back. What we need is to be more consistent in picking up wins – that’s how you find yourself in the top four.’
Lallana was signed as a midfielder by previous manager Brendan Rodgers but Klopp used him as a second striker in the exciting midweek 3-3 draw against Arsenal.
Even with injuries to Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, it seemed a strange choice given that Lallana has scored just eight goals in 68 appearances – and not one in the Premier League this season.
Although he failed to score against Arsenal, his presence helped Roberto Firmino bag a couple – the £29m Brazilian finally finding his feet even though Klopp also had the option of Christian Benteke at his disposal.
‘It was different, exciting, especially the first half when I felt we caused them problems,’ says Lallana. ‘It was just disappointing we let them back after we had got our noses in front.
‘I am happy to play anywhere as long as I’m in the team. To help, to fill in a slot. I’d like to contribute with a few more goals though. Hopefully, that is not too far away.
‘You have to keep on practising. Obviously all strikers – and I’m not a striker – go through blips in front of goal, maybe lacking a bit of confidence. It’s one of those things, when one comes so does another. It’s just about practising and hitting the back of the net in training. One will go in off your backside in a game and then you crack on from there.
‘I am scoring in training. I just need it to happen on Sunday!’
Klopp has been box office since he arrived in October. Some Liverpool displays have been world-class, most notably wins at Manchester City and Chelsea. Others have been embarrassing – against Watford and Crystal Palace.
A lengthening injury list has seen an outbreak of damaged hamstrings and it has been suggested that it is down to the manager’s tough training regime, something Lallana disputes. The club also deny staging double sessions.
Naturally, the 27-year-old prefers to talk about Klopp’s energy.
‘It is very infectious,’ he says. ‘He’s a warm character and quite affectionate and emotional like that and it is nice. It gives off a good feeling and shows he appreciates the work you are doing.
‘Of course, when a new manager comes in it’s almost like that first day at school feeling. You want to impress, you need to get your feet under the table again.
‘I wouldn’t say he’s got a temper but if he’s not happy with something, he can be a bit more vocal. I am sure you have seen it on the sidelines when he’s screaming.’
Certainly, by the time the summer transfer window arrives, Klopp will know what surgery he wants to carry out.
An influential performance against United will give Lallana’s prospects a boost, particularly as he was twice substituted at half-time against them last season.
He knows plenty about his opponents. Morgan Schneiderlin was a team-mate at Southampton while Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney are all England colleagues.
‘Wayne is a great role model as England captain to a lot of the players,’ he says.
‘He was great for me when I first came through. It’s not easy going into the international set-up. There are a lot of big personalities.’
Rooney has returned from criticism with four goals in three matches.
‘There isn’t anyone who hasn’t taken a bit of stick in their career,’ adds Lallana. ‘And he’s obviously a massive threat for Manchester United.’
Right now, though, Lallana could do with a goal of his own .
If we get the three points against United then we put ourselves right back in the mix