Lallana: Let's make sure our Europa League run is worth it
It has been a lengthy and tricky campaign for Liverpool in this season's Europa League - and Adam Lallana wants to make sure all the efforts the side have put in up to this point don't end up being in vain.
The Reds are potentially 180 minutes away from reaching the final of the competition in Basel, having begun their journey back in September for the group stages.
After defeating arch-rivals Manchester United and tournament favourites Borussia Dortmund in the last two knockout rounds, Jürgen Klopp's men are now up against Spain's Villarreal in the last four.
While Lallana is wary of the threat the La Liga outfit possess, he feels this evening's clash presents a wonderful opportunity in the quest to secure a spot at St. Jakob-Park next month.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's a long competition so when you get to the final stages, you want to get as far as you can to make all the games worth it.
"We've got a great chance to put in a good performance, get a result and take it back to Anfield in the second leg.
"It's been serious for the last couple of rounds. We've had some difficult games, none more so than Villarreal.
"They're here on merit, fourth in La Liga and I'm sure they will create quite a good atmosphere in the stadium.
"We just need to respect them and respect the stage of the competition. But on the other hand, we need to grasp the opportunity.
"We need to get the balance right [and] not be daunted by it but excited by it and perform well.
"Villarreal deserve to be here but it's going to be a good contest. As long as we're in the game going back to Anfield, then we'll be very confident.
"An away goal in a draw is a good result and a win is obviously a brilliant result. I don't want to say too much or set too many targets, but we know what we want to achieve.
"If we play well enough then we can win here."
Lallana believes winning the Europa League would highlight the progress made by the team under Klopp, following his appointment in October.
The England international also insists that the recent success of the side is proof of the German's ideas coming into full effect.
He added: "I feel we've gradually progressed as the manager has come in. His philosophy is gradually getting installed into the team and we've been getting a little bit more consistent, hence why league form has picked up.
"We've reached the final of the League Cup and the semi-final of this competition, so we're doing something right.
"It's always difficult when you get a change in manager and things do take their time. It would be great to get to the final and maybe get a trophy."