We can completely understand why Southampton fans boo Dejan Lovren. He threw his toys out of the pram and forced a move to Liverpool when he’d only been in England one year.
But why does Adam Lallana get the same treatment? He helped the club get from from League One to the Premier League, earned them a massive profit and never disrespected the fans.
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It baffles us, and it baffles Jurgen Klopp.
“I don’t know, I’m not here long enough to know why Southampton fans react as they do but he is a boy from the region, that’s how it is,” Klopp told the Echo.
“His friends and family all come from there, he comes from there and with his quality I can imagine everybody at Southampton thought he could be the player for the next 10-15 years to build a team around. That is how it is.
“But actually I’m really happy he decided differently and wanted to see something else and wanted another challenge and experience. He has made outstanding, big steps from an already high level, that is not always expected, and you cannot be sure he would have done the same at Southampton.”
Lallana has been our best player this season with seven goals and assists apiece in the Premier League, and you can be sure that he’ll start this evening at St. Mary’s.
We’re not expecting the 28-year-old to get a good reception; in fact – we’re convinced he’ll be abused as always – but hope he can continue his brilliant form.
If he plays like he has been, his former club won’t be able to live with him.
Lallana is likely to play on the left of a midfield three, with Emre Can holding and Gini Wijnaldum to the right. Up top, Klopp has little choice but to deploy Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi as a threesome.