Adam Lallana insists ‘it wouldn’t surprise him’ if Liverpool appoint current Premier League boss as Jurgen Klopp’s successor as he admits German’s Anfield exit ‘doesn’t feel right’
- The Brighton midfielder previously played under Jürgen Klopp at Anfield
- Adam Lallana tipped another Premier League manager 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 reflected similar sentiments to Steven Gerrard’s previous departure to Anfield.
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 expiry of his contract.
Lallana praised the transformative effect Klopp has had in turning Liverpool into one of Europe’s most feared sides and believes his former side 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 have had a similar effect on the current Premier League leaders.
Lallana also analyzed the likelihood of his current Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi being appointed as Klopp’s successor after the Italian was linked with the role.
Adam Lallana has expressed his concerns over Jurgen 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
Lallana explained that he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if De Zerbi moved to Anfield and also talked about how he felt uneasy after first hearing Klopp explain he was leaving.
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if De Zerbi went to Liverpool. I think all clubs are looking at Roberto,” he told talkSPORT.
‘In my opinion he is one of the best coaches in the world. We shall see. It’s kind of a domino effect with these managers at the moment: managers are always under pressure, no matter where you are. I don’t know if that’ll stop you from getting into that later, but that’s just the world we live in.”
‘Although it may make sense, it still gave me the feeling that something didn’t feel right.
Lallana won the Premier League title alongside Klopp in July 2020 and believes the German will be difficult to replace
Lallana admitted he would like to see his current Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi succeed Klopp at Anfield
Lallana compared Klopp’s departure to when 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 figure from football leaves and it’s strange.’
‘I am very happy that he has four to five months to prepare for the exit. He will get all the praise he deserves. It might just give them the extra boost they need to claim a few more titles – we just hope it’s not the Europa League.
De Zerbi has also been linked as a potential new manager at Manchester United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS team awaiting a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future at the club following their investment.
However, De Zerbi could be tempted to leave England after admitting he wants to return to coaching in his native Italy in the future.