• Premier League

More pressure playing for Liverpool, says Lallana

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana admits the expectation that comes with playing for Liverpool can make for a heavy burden.

Manager Brendan Rodgers said on Monday that "the weight of the jersey" was a factor in the difficulty some of his new signings were having in establishing themselves as Anfield.

"Not for one minute did I think it would be easy, coming to join such a big club. You have to work twice as hard and that's what I'm doing," Lallana said.

"I still feel I am edging towards my best. I don't feel I am there yet, but I knew it would take time with me missing pre-season.

"There is definitely more pressure there. It is something you cannot quite explain unless you have experienced it yourself.

"There is that difference when you pull on a Liverpool shirt. But it is a great feeling as well. The best way to overcome the expectation is to just try to enjoy the football."

Lallana, signed from Southampton for £23 million this summer, is still finding his feet in Liverpool's first-team after missing most of pre-season with a knee injury, from which he only returned against Aston Villa on September 13.

Neither he nor Liverpool have yet hit their best form this season, with the team losing three of their opening five Premier League matches ahead of Saturday's derby against Everton at Anfield.

Saturday will be Lallana's first Merseyside derby as a player - having grown up as an Everton fan. The midfielder was born in the Hertfordshire town of St Albans, moving to Bournemouth when he was five, but he supported Everton because his father did.

Lallana said: "Everton always seemed to be fighting relegation when I was supporting them. I seem to remember there were a lot of tears.

"I know they've not won at Anfield for 15 years, and I hope we can keep that record going, and get the win we need too."

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