Jurgen Klopp dedicated a part of his programme notes today to Adam Lallana who has been appointed player-coach at Brighton. Klopp spoke fondly of the former Liverpool midfielder but hopes he will be left disappointed today.
"Before signing these notes off I do want to make a special mention of a member of the Brighton team who always has a special place in my heart and this club's also. Adam Lallana! It didn't surprise me at all that while Brighton were waiting for a new head coach Adam was asked to help with the leadership around the first team.
"Having watched him play this season, my personal view is that it's too early for him to be considering moving away from the dressing room. But I was really pleased to see his qualities as an inspirational and emblematic figure were recognised by his current employer.
"Adam is one of the good guys and I'm sure Roberto De Zerbi will discover, as I did back in 2015, how valuable he will be in helping a new coach settle in England. All that said, I also hope that both these guys and everyone with a Brighton persuasion leave Anfield disappointed today. It is our job to make sure that is the outcome."
