Lallana: I'm excited about the derby, the atmosphere is electric
What's the overriding emotion Adam Lallana feels ahead of the Merseyside derby?
“Excitement,” the Liverpool midfielder explains in the latest episode of #LFCWORLD.
“The atmosphere is always electric. The fans create a different atmosphere on derby day which you can’t really describe but gets you going that little bit more.
“That’s why playing at home usually gives you a bit of an edge, but is also why it makes it sweeter when you win away from home.”
Despite being born in St Albans, Lallana was a boyhood Everton supporter.
And the England international, who goes into tonight’s clash at Goodison Park on the back of a superb individual display in Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Middlesbrough last Wednesday, is expecting a tough game against the Blues.
“When I was growing up my dad was a big Everton fan, during the Lineker days when they were doing quite well,” he recalls.
“But my memories of being a fan were of fighting relegation all the time, so there were a lot of tears in the house at times!
“I don’t think form matters going into derby games. I think it’ll be as feisty as ever, it’s irrelevant how well either team is playing, it’s going to be a battle.”
The pre-derby chat, filmed in association with Dunkin’ Donuts, also includes in-form striker Divock Origi, who has scored in each of his last five appearances and has fond memories of last season’s derby at Anfield, when he scored the opening goal in a 4-0 victory for the Reds.
“I think it’s a game full of emotions, so when you win it makes for a special feeling,” Origi says.
“It was a very special moment because before the game you could feel it was a big moment for us in the season and it was an intense night; everyone wanted to win.
“It was my first derby at home and I was so happy in that moment. To score in the derby, knowing the history of the game, was very, very special.”
LFCTV GO subscribers can watch Lallana and Origi preview tonight’s game in the latest episode of #LFCWORLD, which also includes derby veteran Lucas Leiva and a tribute to November Player of the Month Joel Matip, below.
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