2 hours ago
2
Adam Lallana has revealed that stepping into the world of coaching has made him appreciate Jurgen Klopp’s influence on his career even more.
The ex-Liverpool star hung up his boots this summer, ending a nearly two-decade playing career that saw Lallana represent Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton in the Premier League.
Since retiring, he has remained at the Saints and is part of Will Still’s youthful coaching unit at St. Mary’s. Lallana will be on the sidelines at Anfield on Tuesday when Southampton faces Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third-round tie, with the south-coast club plotting an unlikely upset.
Inevitably, that has led Lallana to reflect on his time at Liverpool and those who shaped his career.
“I suppose taking my first steps in coaching makes me appreciate even more what Jurgen did,” the 37-year-old told the Times ahead of the game.
“To manage an institution like Liverpool for so long and have that amount of pressure on your shoulders.
“As a player, you’re p***ed off with him when you’re not playing but you don’t think about all the decisions he’s got to make and the other 24 people he has to look after.
“I know I played an important role in Jurgen’s reign and I’m very proud of that. I wasn’t the best player over his time, but I was Jurgen’s guy at one point.”
Lallana played 130 times under Klopp at Liverpool, before leaving as a Premier League and Champions League winner in 2020.
Klopp previously stated Lallana was naturally suited to coaching, claiming: “Such a football lover really has to stay in the game.”
Clearly, Lallana still carries Klopp’s ethos and teachings with him. “I was his man and it was the same with Gareth Southgate when he first came in with England,” said the ex-midfielder.
“I took responsibility to try and pass on their philosophy to the group. I take a lot of pleasure in saying that now about Jurgen.
“Maybe my body suffered a little bit and, physically, I wasn’t the strongest. Maybe I wasn’t built for that heavy-metal football full-time, but I wouldn’t change my experiences for the world.”
Lallana first made his steps in coaching while at Brighton, helping to bridge the gap when Graham Potter left as manager and then shadowing Roberto De Zerbi. He also worked closely with Ivan Juric at Southampton last season and was Simon Rusk’s assistant in the final weeks of the campaign.
Lallana, who earned 34 international caps during his playing days, and has worked alongside Lee Carsley with England’s Under-21s.
The former Liverpool man was one of two coaches who retained their roles when Still was appointed as head coach over the summer, joining from Ligue 1 side Lens.
English (US) ·