‘Brazil boys have built north-west bond... but THIS fight is for family’

EVERTON’S Brazilian star Allan will be up against three of his best mates in the Mersey derby – and has vowed to treat them like they are trying to steal the food from his family’s dinner table.

The 31-year-old midfielder insists split loyalties will not be an issue when he faces

Liverpool’s Samba trio of

Alisson,

Fabinho and

Roberto Firmino in a derby game both teams are desperate to win.

Along with Goodison team-mate Richarlison and Manchester-based quartet Fernandinho, Ederson, Gabriel Jesus and Fred, a tight Brazilian bond has developed in the north-west of England.

But Allan will have no problem putting club before country.

“I have to fight for my team, I have to fight for my family – and I have to fight for my teammates and my daily bread,” said the man signed 18 months ago from Napoli for £22million.

“All the Brazilians in the area have a great relationship as friends and, of course, we play together for the national team.

“But when it comes to a match, I don’t see the face of a friend. I only see the colour of the shirt.

“They are not friends at that moment, they are an opponent – and I have my job to do. No part of the friendship goes onto the pitch. It is put to one side and it doesn’t matter who they are.

“Alisson, Fabinho and Firmino are great people. But, like I say, when it comes to the match we have our own agenda.

“I have to defend my club, my badge, my fans and my friends at Everton. We all look after our own clubs.”

Allan (below) will have to be at his combative best today.

Liverpool are on a mission to win the Quadruple, having lifted the Carabao Cup, reached the FA Cup Final, the Champions League semi-finals and chased down Manchester City in the Premier League.

Everton are faced with the spectre of relegation despite claiming a precious point against Leicester on Wednesday night thanks to Richarlison’s injury-time equaliser.

Allan said: “I can only speak for myself, but the situation we are in is always on my mind.

“I look at the other results, I look at the table, who we have got to play, and I am very apprehensive. But this

is the time to fight even harder, to stick together and work well, through dedication and team spirit.

“I once played for Udinese when the main objective of the season was to get to 40 points so we could not be relegated.

“We always achieved those aims. But it was never like this moment, fighting to the end of the season.

“I think some of the other players have found it hard to deal with this situation.

“We have to be intelligent, control our emotions, and play well under pressure.

“I think we have the quality here to get out of this situation.”

He added: “We know there is a different momentum between the two clubs at the moment.

“But, then again, we know our qualities and we know we have to fight for one another.

“We have to keep a positive mind. We can’t go into this game thinking anything negative.

“We also know this derby game means more than just three points – and we have got to use that special ingredient.”