Lallana explains decision to retire and become Southampton...

Adam Lallana, the coach of SAINTS, has explained his “no-brainer” choice to retire this summer in favour of working

in Will Still’s backroom.

The 37-year-old resigned after making 14 Premier League appearances the previous season, ten years after his

incredible return to the Saints.

After leaving Brighton on a free transfer, Lallana signed a one-year contract with St Mary’s last summer, but he

finished the season as interim assistant manager.

As a first-team assistant coach under new manager Still and assistant Paul Trollope, he has now accepted a

permanent coaching position at the club.

On the decision, Lallana told club media: “It was nice to get it done. I’ve been thinking about retirement probably for

the last three, four years.

“It was rather obvious to me at the close of the previous season when Johannes Spors asked me to switch roles and

back Simon Rusk.

“I decided to stop playing because I thought it was the perfect time and it made sense to support the team at a

difficult period.

“I believe some individuals have asked, ‘Do you regret it?'” The answer is unquestionably no. It felt natural. I believe

I was able to extend my life by two or three years.

“Last season was difficult, I believe, due to the circumstances we’re in, and the points total obviously hung over us

and the players,” he continued.

“For a variety of reasons, it was an exceptionally challenging year. Any season with three managers, in my opinion,

very much speaks for itself.

“I think the most crucial thing right now is that we’re able to get over our hangover and start anew with Will, Trolls,

and a few new members.

“But it’s important we don’t have a hangover and we hit the ground running. That’s probably my main focus now,

to help generate that new energy.”

Lallana says he met with Still shortly after he retired to discuss his plans for the new season and whether their

pairing would be a good fit.

He explained: “We spoke for two, three hours about football, and I kind of knew straight away that I’d be able to

come and work under Will.

“I want to support him in any way I can, really. I’m extremely new to coaching, and although it’s the same sport, it’s

kind of completely different.

“I appreciate that he has given me the chance to be on the turf. As a player, I had the opportunity to collaborate with

four or five elite managers.

“From one extreme to the other, it’s good to work with Will and figure out how he wants his teams to perform and

how he wants to see the game.

“I can definitely kind of go back to a certain stage in my playing career where I’ve played how he wants to play, so I

can get that into the players.”

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