Adam Lallana joined Jürgen Klopp at the top table for Liverpool's press conference to preview the Premier League Asia Trophy final against Leicester City on Friday morning.

The midfielder was quizzed by reporters at Hong Kong’s Grand Hyatt hotel about the prospect of facing the Foxes as well as a variety of other subjects.

Lallana used the media briefing to outline his optimism for the seasons ahead at Anfield, the key to Liverpool taking the next steps in their development and the return to fitness of Jordan Henderson.

Our No.20 also lifted the lid on which member of the squad has been chief joker within the travelling tour party.

Read on for a summary of what Lallana had to say…

On his relationship with Klopp… 

I’ve touched on it before, the boss and I have a good relationship… but I’ve been on the end of a couple of hidings at half-time or from the side of the pitch! But yes, we have a good relationship.

On a sense of responsibility for rewarding Liverpool fans around the world for their support…

It comes with playing for Liverpool Football Club and the history. Our fans are worldwide and we feel under pressure to deliver week in, week out and bring a trophy back to Anfield. The quality of the Premier League these days is very, very high and to win the Premier League is an unbelievable achievement. There are six or seven teams that can realistically win it, so we know it will be difficult but we believe in ourselves.

On playing with those expectation levels… 

We’ve got a manager that’s experienced in winning and he’s won silverware as well. We’re improving each year and we’re going to need to improve again if we want to achieve what we want to achieve.

On the key to taking the next step…

We’ve just got to keep learning, being willing to learn and wanting to learn. Don’t settle for taking the easy route, always want to keep improving. I believe if every member of the squad keeps doing that then we’re going to keep challenging ourselves and keep challenging in the league.

LFCTV GO: Lallana's press conference in Hong Kong

On the experience of being in Hong Kong with Liverpool…

It’s been good. It’s been busy and it’s been hard, but it has to be hard because it’s pre-season. We want to get fit. There’ve been challenging conditions at times, but that’ll bring us closer and stronger as a group. 

On what he expects from Leicester City in Saturday’s game… 

A difficult game. We always have difficult games against Leicester, but we probably owe them one from the game at their place last season because it was disappointing for us. I am really looking forward to it – you always want to play games to get fit as professionals, and there’s none better than the final at the weekend. 

On Lucas Leiva’s departure from Liverpool…

Lucas was brilliant with not just me, but he had a very, very big role among the group. We’re all going to have to chip in to kind of fill his void. I feel an experienced member of this group; we’ve got a young group and everyone knows nowadays just with younger players, you do need experience. If I can bring experience to the squad and help the younger players then I’m more than happy to do that. 

On having Jordan Henderson back fit and available…

It’s great having him back. It’s no secret that we’re best of mates. We’ve missed him massively, not just his quality but his role and his role in the group. Having him back in the last few games, everyone has seen the class he brings. He brings the best out in the rest of the team when he’s on the pitch. He’ll be the first to admit he’s still got a long way to get back to where he wants to be in terms of a player and his form, but that’s just normal. It’s just great to have him in and among the place and back on the pitch.

On Jon Flanagan being a dressing room joker…

Flanno is a great lad and it’s great to have him back in the group. He definitely keeps you on your toes, to say the least! You’ve hit the nail on the head with Flanno – he’s definitely the joker!