Adam Lallana explained the method behind his brilliant sliding challenge on Phil Bardsley which created the goal to put Liverpool in front on Sunday.
There’s nothing Jurgen Klopp loves more than effective counter-pressing in the opposition’s defensive third of the pitch. Klopp referred to Lallana’s challenge as a “game-changer” and a “fantastic counter-pressing block”.
Lallana pounced on some indecision between Burnley’s Jeff Hendrick and Phil Bardsley to block the clearance, deflecting the ball into Mohamed Salah’s path in the box. Salah was challenged well by Charlie Taylor but the ball just landed at the feet of the unmarked Sadio Mané. Liverpool’s number 10 made no mistake and The Reds went 2-1 up.
It was hugely important for Liverpool to get their second goal before the break, after going one behind to what should have been a disallowed goal early in the game.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com about his contribution to the second goal, Lallana referred to a similar challenge made by James Milner in The Reds’ recent 5-0 win over Watford.
“I just thought the ball was there to be won.
“The manager highlighted Millie doing it a couple of weeks ago against Watford I think, and sometimes those moments can just create an intensity and a feeling. The fans pick up on it and sometimes it can result in a goal, so happy days.”
Lallana has had a very difficult time of it in the last couple of years at Anfield after initially impressing after Klopp’s arrival in late 2015 and 2016.
The former Southampton midfielder spoke of his need to maintain fitness now and his hopes for what is sure to be a tense title race over the next two months.
“It’s been a tough 18 months to two years for me.
“I’ve not been fit consistently for a while so it’s nice to have been fit for eight or nine weeks now and I just feel I can benefit off that rhythm.
“It was great to get a chance, but it’s not about individuals, it’s about us as a team taking it game by game and I’m sure it’s going to go down to the wire. It’s exciting for the neutral, nervy for the fans, but we’re just going to enjoy it.”
Next up for Liverpool is a trip to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. The Champions League tie is level at 0-0 as the sides head into the second leg at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
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