Lallana: We'll keep fighting for each other - and enjoy it
The togetherness forged within the Liverpool squad gives Adam Lallana the conviction they will continue to fight for each other and their ambitions through the remainder of the season.
The Reds are aiming to return to the top of the Premier League table against Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday. They dropped to second after Manchester City moved level on points, but went ahead on goal difference having played an additional game in midweek.
Liverpool have admitted disappointment at the consecutive 1-1 draws against Leicester City and West Ham United in their last two outings; however, Lallana is confident the side’s collective spirit will soon see them back in the winning habit.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: “We do things off the pitch together, we fight on the pitch for each other and that’s really what is special.
“We’ve lost together, we’ve lost a Champions League final together, and moments like that make you stronger. It’s a marathon, not a sprint and there are always going to be little hiccups, positive moments, bad moments, injuries, illnesses and suspensions. It’s about coming through it together.
“Media is a big part of the world – and of course, they have got to have things to talk about – so part of me is not surprised that it [Liverpool’s form] is a talking point from the outside, but there are times during the season – and in lots of walks of life – when we’ve got to block the noise out and come together.
“That togetherness is what keeps you fighting, keeps you focused on what needs to be done and what the important points are. That’s what we’ll be doing going into the weekend’s game.”
Following Monday night’s 1-1 draw at West Ham, several senior members of Liverpool’s first team spoke of a need for the team’s incredible journey thus far as well as the challenge ahead to be ‘enjoyed’.
It’s a sentiment Lallana believes is already prevalent within the dressing room.
He said: “Obviously, we wanted to pick up the three points, just like we would in any other game, but it’s a point on the road and there are still plenty of games left with a lot to play for. We’re looking forward to trying to bounce back to winning ways against Bournemouth.
“We are enjoying it. Yes, not many of us have been in a position where you’ve been first for so long, but we have had a chat and it is about enjoying it, playing with a smile on your face.
“West Ham away is a tough game, they’ve beaten Arsenal and United at home this year, so you’ve got to come to terms with [the fact that] you’re going to come up against teams that are going to want three points and have their own situations to fight for the points.
“It’s the same this weekend against Bournemouth; I’m sure they’re not mathematically safe yet and I know Eddie [Howe] and his team are going to want the three points and are going to make it difficult. We’ll look to go out and do what we’ve done all season, enjoy it and try to win the football match.”
Lallana continued: “They are two tough teams we’ve just drawn against; it’s as simple as that, really. Of course, we were expected to win both games – but we expect to win any game, whoever we’re playing against, whether we’re playing against a team who has won the Champions League or a team that are fighting against relegation.
“It will be no different this weekend. We have to make sure our mentality is right and go out there to try to win the game.”