I played for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and I’m worried his replacement is my current manager

Adam Lallana has admitted he would not be shocked if Liverpool were to attempt hiring Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi

Lallana, who left the Reds in 2020 to join the Seagulls, is currently in his fourth season on the south coast

Lallana has been a consistent performer for a club that has enjoyed a rapid rise - initially under Graham Potter, before being carried forward by De Zerbi.

The Italian's first game in charge of Brighton came in a 3-3 draw at Anfield in October 2022

De Zerbi has emerged as one of the potential candidates to replace Klopp

Lallana

"It wouldn’t surprise me," conceded the ex-Reds midfielder when asked if De Zerbi could take charge at Liverpool.

"I think all the clubs are looking at Roberto. 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."

Lallana of course enjoyed the vast majority of his Anfield career working under Klopp and was stunned after hearing of the German's intention to leave

Lallana adds

"Although it probably makes sense, it gave me that feeling that something didn’t feel right," the Englishman told talkSPORT in response to his initial reaction to the Klopp bombshell.

"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.

"I think the squad for whoever takes the job is amazing. The transition from the era when I was there, when you’ve got Salah, Mane, Firmino, Henderson, Gini - it’s a different Liverpool now.

"It’s exciting for whoever takes the job next, they can put their own stamp on it."