Adam Lallana Opens Up on Painful Liverpool Departure Under Jurgen Klopp
Former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has candidly revealed the emotional turmoil he experienced when manager Jurgen Klopp informed him that his services were no longer required at the club. The ex-England international, who joined the Reds in 2014 for a fee of £25 million from Southampton, spent six successful seasons at Anfield, winning major trophies including the Premier League and the Champions League.
A Chapter Closes After Trophy-Laden Spell
Lallana's time on Merseyside concluded in 2020, as the club decided against extending his contract following their triumphant 2019/20 Premier League title-winning campaign. During his six-year tenure, he made 178 appearances for Liverpool, contributing 22 goals and 21 assists across all competitions.
Although initially signed by Brendan Rodgers, Lallana developed a particularly strong relationship with Klopp after the German's appointment as manager in October 2015. He featured regularly in the early stages of Klopp's reign but gradually saw his role diminish due to persistent injury issues and the influx of new talent at the club.
The Frank Conversation That Sparked Feelings of Rejection
In his final three seasons, Lallana managed only 53 appearances in all competitions, scoring just once. With uncertainty looming over his future as he entered the last year of his contract, the midfielder decided to seek clarity directly from Klopp.
"I went in and asked the question because I wanted to know what my future looked like," Lallana confessed. "I had half an idea what the answer would be, but felt it would be better to know and to have a frank conversation. We had that much respect for each other. It is a weird feeling when you get told that you are kind of not wanted any more. There is an initial feeling of rejection and I think that's normal in any walk of life."
However, after processing the news for a couple of days, Lallana resolved to make the most of his remaining time at the club. "I made sure that I treated every day, every training session, like it was my last and didn't take anything for granted," he added. "I enjoyed the last six months as much as I did any year while I was at the club."
New Beginnings at Brighton and Reflecting on Anfield Legacy
Less than two months after departing Liverpool, Lallana signed a three-year contract with Brighton & Hove Albion. He described his move to the Seagulls as a refreshing and necessary experience. "It was difficult to leave," he admitted in 2020. "But I wouldn't say I'm missing it or homesick. Meeting new people and forming new relationships with team-mates is so refreshing and something I needed. It's been absolutely fantastic."
Lallana, who retired from professional football last summer, is expected to be an interested spectator as his two former clubs, Liverpool and Brighton, face off in the FA Cup fifth round this weekend. Brighton arrive at Anfield without a win in their last five matches, while Liverpool are buoyed by a recent 1-0 victory over Sunderland.
The midfielder's revelations highlight the often harsh realities of professional football, where even celebrated players must confront the end of their tenure at elite clubs. Despite the initial sting of rejection, Lallana's subsequent reflections underscore his professionalism and enduring affection for Liverpool, where he cemented his legacy as a key figure in one of the club's most successful modern eras.
