Adam Lallana has been accused of being unprofessional after admitting he is “desperate” for Liverpool to win the Premier League - before playing for Brighton against his old club.
Lallana was named on the substitutes’ bench for the Seagulls as they took on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, with the midfielder being introduced as a second-half replacement in the 83rd minute of the 2-1 home win. The match carried huge significance in the race for the title, and came a few hours before Arsenal play Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Lallana spent six years with Liverpool, helping them win the Premier League and Champions League, before joining Brighton in 2020. The 35-year-old midfielder has made 25 appearances for Roberto De Zerbi’s side this season – and 99 in total – but his loyalties still lie on Merseyside.
“I do call this my home, I have great fond memories here,” he told Sky Sports before kick-off. “It’s going be a huge challenge for us, the title race is really heating up. Of course, I’m desperate for Liverpool to win the league and go far in the other competitions.
“I still think it’s possible they lose one more game and still win the league, so that’s what I’m aiming for today, unfortunately. We’ve got our own fight and want to make Europe again this season.”
His comments are sure to have warmed the hearts of Liverpool fans – but they did not go down well with supporters of other clubs. While some Southampton fans might have raised their eyebrows at Lallana calling Liverpool “home”, having spent 14 years with their club, it was the implications of his split loyalties which irked others.
One fan tweeted: “Adam Lallana demonstrating the integrity of the Premier League. At least not all his teammates feel the same way. Good to know what Arsenal are up against though. Players and officials alike supporting Liverpool in the title race.”
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One Arsenal supporter wrote: “I hope he won't be playing for Brighton today because this right here is crazy.” Another added: “How disrespectful is this to his current employer? Should be 100% focussed on beating them today. After that he can say what he likes.”
“How can you speak like this when you are actually PLAYING FOR A TEAM IN THE SAME LEAGUE???” another angry fan wrote. Another added sarcastically: “Sure City and Arsenal will be happy hearing this.”
Liverpool went into the crucial day in the Premier League level on points with Arsenal at the top and a point ahead of City. They knew they couldn’t afford any slip-ups but were stunned when Danny Welbeck smashed in the opening goal inside two minutes.
The Reds replied through Luis Diaz’s instinctive finish after a botched clearance from Joel Veltman and went in with the score 1-1 at half-time. Mohamed Salah spurned several chances before putting Liverpool ahead with a low finish in the 65th minute. It was former Brighton man Alexis Mac Allister who crafted the goal with a brilliant pass and the Reds held on to win and go top of the table before City vs Arsenal.
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