35-year-old former Liverpool player is the obvious choice to be assistant manager next season

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Liverpool’s search for the right man to succeed Jurgen Klopp continues to dominate the news cycle.

Until the Reds name exactly who will follow Klopp’s incredible stint at Anfield, that will remain the case. For now, the spotlight is falling largely on Xabi Alonso in that respect.

But Klopp isn’t the only one leaving Liverpool this summer. The Reds will also wave goodbye to the German’s long-time assistant Pep Lijnders, as well as even longer-time coach and associate Peter Krawietz.

As a result, not only do Liverpool need to replace the manager, but they have to bring in a whole new coaching team, too. Not easy.

Of course, it could be that the new man, Alonso or whoever it may be, brings his own group with him. Krawietz had worked with Klopp at Borussia Dortmund and Mainz previously, for example.

But it could also happen that the club sorts all of that out, too. If that is the way Liverpool go, then they have a former player who is marking himself out as being perfect for the role: Adam Lallana.

Lallana looking for coaching role

According to The Athletic this week, Lallana is potentially now into his final season as a player.

It’s reported that the 35-year-old is currently planning to stay at Brighton next term, but in a coaching capacity.

Interestingly, it’s also claimed that Lallana has more or less already transitioned into this role. Reportedly with head coach Roberto De Zerbi’s encouragement, the former Liverpool midfielder is becoming more involved in taking first-team sessions as well as those of the U21s.

Furthermore, Lallana is also said to have been away with the England U21 team as a coach this season.

As a result of all of that, it sounds like Adam is quite clearly planning for life on the other side of the touchline from next campaign onwards. It would be a big jump to return to Liverpool, but at the same time it would kind of make sense.

2024/25 is going to mark the start of a fresh new era at Anfield. Why not mark that with taking on a young, promising coach who knows and loves the club. Obviously, it’s way, way too soon for Lallana to be a manager at Liverpool. But as an assistant, we can’t see why he isn’t worth a go.

One thing that must obviously be taken into account is who exactly the new manager is. If Liverpool get their way and Alonso comes in, this might be less likely. Xabi already knows the club inside and out and might wish to bring his team from Bayer Levekrusen.

But beyond Alonso, De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a strong candidate. As someone brand new to Liverpool and as a big fan of Lallana’s, they could be a dream manager and assistant combo.

There’s lots of ifs and buts with this one. However, in any case, we think Lallana is the right man to take on Lijnders mantle at Anfield next season.