>
Former Liverpool star Adam Lallana reveals how he had to ‘Google Jurgen Klopp’ when he was appointed as the club’s new boss in 2015 and explains why they ‘connected’ so quickly after his arrival
- Adam Lallana had to Google Jurgen Klopp before meeting him in Liverpool
- Lallana, 34, was not sure what the German’s tactic would be like and wanted to check
- The attacking midfielder admitted to having a ‘strong connection’ with Klopp
- Lallana explained how the Liverpool coach encouraged him to relax on the pitch
Adam Lallana admitted to Googling Jurgen Klopp’s football style after Liverpool announced his appointment in October 2015.
The attacking midfielder spoke about his ‘strong connection’ with Klopp and praised his former manager for his tactics.
Lallana went on to discuss how the German manager made him ‘chill out’ and rediscover his goalscoring prowess ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Norwich.
Adam Lallana googled Klopp’s football style after Liverpool announced his appointment
Lallana recalled Klopp’s appointment during a new ‘JURGEN’ five part spring series produced by Anfield Wrap.
He said: ‘I remember being on international duty and being announced.
“I remember typing his name into Google and seeing what kind of football he was into. Because obviously, I had a tough first year and I was looking to start my career at Liverpool.
‘I remember him saying ‘he likes Gegenpressing’, and I was like ‘what is Gegenpressing?’ You look at it and it was almost like a way of counter-pressing and running, and I thought, ‘Cor, that’s the kind of football I like to play.
Lallana (left) was on international duty with Klopp (right) was appointed in October 2015
The attacking midfielder (right) spoke about his ‘strong connection’ with Klopp (left) at Liverpool
Coming from a Southampton team with Mauricio Pochettino taught me how to work, how to run. Looking back now, it wasn’t a surprise that we hooked up almost immediately.
Lallana went on to talk about his connection to Klopp in more detail. He recalled how the German coach told him to ‘relax’ on the pitch.
Referring to his goal against Norwich City at Carrow Road, just a few months into Klopp’s reign, Lallana said: “I think at that point I already had a good connection with Jurgen.
The midfielder, who now plays for Brighton, praised his former manager for his tactics.
Lallana went on to discuss how the German manager made him ‘chill out’ and rediscover his goal-scoring ability ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Norwich (above)
“I went to see him a couple of times because I still felt like he wasn’t acting as well as he could have.” She just told me to relax, goals will come, better performances will come.
“It was obviously a crazy game and the last kick of the game, and I remember just walking away and actually couldn’t believe he was in the middle of the field running towards us anyway.” It’s an iconic moment that I’ll remember, I’m sure he will too.
‘Again, just building a relationship, connection, emotional football, which is what he wants. He thrives and wants his team to play with excitement. There is no better way than to set an example as a coach, which is what he did day after day.’