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’

Adam Lallana claimed Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season echoed similar feelings to Steven Gerrard’s previous Anfield exit.

The now-Brighton midfielder previously starred 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 hailed the transformative effect Klopp has had in turning Liverpool into one of Europe’s most-feared sides and believes his former side might 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 analysed the likelihood of his current Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi being appointed as Klopp’s successor after the Italian was linked with the role.

Lallana and Klopp enjoyed success together during the midfielder’s time at Anfield

Explaining it ‘wouldn’t surprise’ him if De Zerbi moved to Anfield, Lallana also expressed how he felt uneasy after first hearing Klopp explain he was leaving.

 ‘It wouldn’t surprise me [if De Zerbi joined Liverpool]. I think all the clubs are looking at Roberto,’ he told talkSPORT.

‘In my eyes, he is one of the best coaches in the world. We will 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 puts you off going into that after, but that’s just the world we live in.’

‘Although it probably makes sense, it gave me that feeling that something didn’t feel 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 succeeding Klopp at Anfield

Lallana compared Klopp’s exit to the time when club legend Steven Gerrard announced he was leaving Liverpool

‘I had the same feeling the day it was announced Stevie was leaving Liverpool. I remember being at the club. That mammoth figure of the football is leaving and it’s strange.’

‘I’m really glad he can have four or five months to prepare for the exit. He will get all the accolades he deserves. It might just 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 the Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS team wait to make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future at the club following their investment.

However, De Zerbi could be tempted with a move away from England after admitting he wants to return to coaching in his homeland of Italy in the future.