Reds spirit set to be tested

It’s all very well to sing when you’re winning but Adam Lallana admits there is still a lot to prove at Liverpool if they want to show they have the team spirit necessary to challenge for titles.

Jurgen Klopp has spoken a number of times over the summer about how important togetherness is in a squad, and Lallana says that the team are ready to fight through any challenges the Premier League season throws at them.

They kicked off their campaign in impressive style, claiming a thrilling 4-3 win away at Arsenal on the opening day of the season.

And collectiveness will be crucial in the ‘gegenpressing’ philosophy that Klopp employs, in which the whole team is responsible for winning the ball back as one. In order for the tactic to be successful, it’s vital that Lallana and his teammates are willing to work for each other.

(Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“[Team spirit is] very strong but it’s early days yet and it’s easy to show a good spirit when you’re 4-1 up at the Emirates and you win there,” the England man said.

“We’ll have bigger tests throughout the season where we’re down 1-0, 2-0 and that’s where we do really need to stick together and show how strong our team spirit is.

“Team spirit is a massive factor in being successful and I feel we’ve got that, need to build on that and never take it for granted.”

Lallana is facing challenges of his own after being asked to shift to a deeper role in midfield, though his goalscoring performance against Arsenal at the weekend suggests it is one in which he might flourish.

“I’ve enjoyed it. I feel like I’m still learning the role and I’ll probably still be learning the role throughout the season – you can always get better,” he added.

“It’s a different role but one I’ll embrace and I’ll play wherever the manager wants me to play as long as it benefits the team.”