- The Brighton midfielder previously played under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield
- Adam Lallana suggested another Premier League coach to replace the German
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Adam Lallana claimed Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season echoed similar sentiments to Steven Gerrard’s previous Anfield exit.
The now Brighton midfielder previously played under Klopp at Liverpool, winning the Champions League and Premier League during his time at the club, before leaving in 2020 following the expiration of his contract.
Lallana praised the transformative effect Klopp has had in turning Liverpool into one of the most feared teams in Europe and believes his former team could struggle to replace the German.
The 35-year-old was a key figure in Klopp’s team when Liverpool legend Gerrard left the club and compared how both announcements had a similar effect on the current Premier League leaders.
Lallana also discussed the likelihood of his current Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi being named Klopp’s successor after the Italian was linked with the role.
Adam Lallana expressed concern over Jürgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season
Lallana and Klopp enjoyed success together during the midfielder’s time at Anfield
Explaining that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if De Zerbi moved to Anfield, Lallana also expressed how uncomfortable he felt after first hearing Klopp explain that he was leaving.
“I wouldn’t be surprised (if De Zerbi joined Liverpool). I think all the clubs are looking at Roberto,” he told talkSPORT.
“In my opinion, he’s one of the best coaches in the world. We’ll see. It’s like a domino effect with these managers at the moment, managers are always under pressure wherever you go. I don’t know if that deters you from getting into it later, but that’s the world we live in.’
‘While it probably makes sense, I got the feeling that something wasn’t right.
Lallana lifted the Premier League title alongside Klopp in July 2020 and believes the German will be difficult to replace
Lallana admitted he could see his current Brighton manager, Roberto De Zerbi, replacing Klopp at Anfield.
Lallana compared Klopp’s departure to the moment club legend Steven Gerrard announced he was leaving Liverpool.
“I had the same feeling the day it was announced that Stevie was leaving Liverpool. I remember being at the club. That giant football figure is leaving and it’s strange.”
“I’m very happy that he can have four or five months to prepare for the exit. He will get all the praise he deserves. It could give them that extra boost they might need to get another couple of titles – we just hope it’s not the Europa League.
De Zerbi has also been linked as a potential new manager at Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS side wait to make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future at the club following their investment.
However, De Zerbi could be tempted to move away from England after admitting he wants to return to training in his homeland of Italy in the future.