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Adam Lallana was one of the first Liverpool players to embrace and embody the high-energy, counter-pressure style of Jürgen Klopp, and a key part of the Reds’ success during the early days of Klopp’s tenure. A combination of injuries, age and competition for positions led to a steady decrease in his playing time as his contract ended. Liverpool chose not to offer him a new contract at the end of the 2019-20 season, joining Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer.
Although it became increasingly clear that Lallana’s future lay in another club, it also became clear that Klopp still had a lot of confidence in him. He continued to appear on teams of the day and make regular appearances as a substitute when healthy, even when many fans thought those minutes should go to other players.
In a interview with BBC Radio 5 Live Today, Lallana provided insight into the relationship between him and Klopp, detailing the conversation he had with the Liverpool manager that led him to search for a new club after his contract ended.
“To give you an idea, I spoke with Jürgen in October of last year and I just sat down and had an open conversation,” Lallana said. “We have a great relationship and I just said, ‘What will next year be like for me?’ I know that I don’t have a contract and I know that I don’t play regularly ”.
Having an expiring contract with less and less playing time is never a comfortable situation, especially for an aging player, so Lallana cannot be blamed for seeking clarity on how he fits into Klopp’s vision in the future.
“Although I had a pretty big role in the squad, I wanted a bit of honesty. Basically he told me in October that your agent start looking for another club, ”Lallana revealed.
“That does not mean that you are not in my plans or that he is not going to use me,” continued Lallana. “Four days later he hired me at Old Trafford and I scored the draw. And I think that shows what kind of person Jurgen is. He’s very honest. “
According to Lallana, Klopp then went on to explain that he deserved playing time that Klopp couldn’t give him at Liverpool, and so he gave him the green light to talk to other clubs about his future.
“He told me that I deserve to play more and I deserve more playing time and playing more. He couldn’t offer me that, so since then I had his blessing, the club’s blessing, to give my agent the go-ahead to talk to other clubs about next season, which is now this season. “
Klopp has a reputation for being loved and respected by his players, even when he can’t provide the opportunities they want. Lallana is the second former player in as many days to praise Klopp, even after moving on when it was clear his role on his team was diminishing. Comments like these really speak to the quality of the man we are so lucky to be able to call our manager.
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