Steven Gerrard has warned his compatriot and close friend Frank Lampard that it will be a war between them as they face each other in the high voltage Major League Soccer match between LA Galaxy and New York City on Sunday at StubHub Center.
The match is tipped to be the most star-studded match ever in the history of America which includes the two English legends and also legends like Andrea Pirlo, David Villa, and Robbie Keane.
The two English iconic midfielders are set to carry on their rivalry on the field which developed while the duo played for Liverpool and Chelsea respectively.
Gerrard, who joined the Galaxy in July, played down suggestions Sunday’s game would be a personal duel with former England midfield partner Lampard, who remains a friend off the pitch.
Promotional posters for Sunday’s game styled the contest as a boxing bout, billing the meeting as “The British Invasion” and featuring Gerrard and Lampard set against the background of a Union flag.
The 35-year-old admitted however that no quarter would be given against Lampard and his City teammates.
“I’m sure Frank agrees it’s slightly embarrassing to have all the focus on you when it’s Los Angeles Galaxy versus New York,” Gerrard told reporters on Friday.”
“It’s about the game and the three points.”
“But we understand it – we’ve played together for so many years. (The rivalry) it’s real.”
“When that whistle goes and we’re competing for 90 minutes against each other, it’s war.”
“We fight against each other, we always have. When the whistle goes to finish there’s a mutual respect there. We’ve always got on off the pitch regardless of what other people say.”
“So if Frank plays from the beginning or if he comes on, we become enemies, and when the game’s over, we become friends again.”
“I’ve got nothing but respect and admiration for him as a player. We’re both winners, we’re both professional. But he’s coming into town for three points and I want the three points to stay here, so that’s where the rivalry begins.”
Gerrard and Lampard have faced each other on 33 occasions, with Lampard winning 15 to 11. However the 37-year-old has endured a patchy start to his MLS career, with injuries restricting his appearances for New York.
Gerrard has steadily settled into California since arriving in July, making five starts and scoring a goal in a thrilling win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the California Clasico on July 17.
The Liverpool legend said he had been taken by surprise by the standard of the MLS, starting the Galaxy would give a good account of themselves if they were playing in English competitions.
“For sure,” said Gerrard. “The level is a lot stronger than what other people suggested when I came. I’ve been really surprised.”
“We’ve got a very good team here, I’m playing for the champions and they know how to win.”