Southampton’s search for a new manager has taken an interesting twist — with former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana reportedly open to taking charge at his boyhood club.
The Saints are on the lookout for a permanent boss after parting ways with Will Still earlier this month.
His departure followed a string of poor results that left the team hovering dangerously close to the Championship relegation zone.
Still managed only four wins in 16 games, and his short stint came to an abrupt end after a 2-0 loss to Preston North End.
Since then, Under-21s coach Tonda Eckert has been appointed as interim manager. But behind the scenes, the club’s board is already exploring long-term options — and a familiar name has appeared on the list.
A bold move for Adam Lallana?
According to Sky Sports, Adam Lallana — who only retired from professional football at the end of last season — has shown interest in becoming Southampton’s next permanent manager.
Lallana, now part of the Saints’ coaching team, stepped into a player-coach role earlier this year. He’s been assisting Eckert on the touchline, offering both experience and a deep understanding of the club’s culture.
However, while his passion and connection to St. Mary’s make him an emotional favorite, reports suggest the club isn’t likely to hand him the reins — at least not yet.
A Southampton spokesperson reportedly said:
“Southampton are undergoing a thorough process to identify their next permanent head coach – led by sporting director Johannes Spors – but are not in a rush to make an appointment.”
The club’s cautious stance seems to stem from Lallana’s lack of managerial experience. Yet, many believe his football intelligence and leadership qualities could make him a surprise success — much like Frank Lampard’s early coaching days in the Championship.
Lallana spent six successful years at Southampton, scoring 60 goals and providing 47 assists before joining Liverpool in 2014. At Anfield, he became a fan favorite under Jurgen Klopp, known for his creativity and relentless work ethic.
With such pedigree, Lallana might just fancy adding “manager” to his football résumé — and Southampton could be the perfect place to start.
Who else is in the frame to become next Southampton manager?
Other names linked to the vacant job reportedly include experienced figures like Tony Mowbray and Michael Carrick. The club’s hierarchy is said to be considering both domestic and European options, with Spors open to exploring managers from Germany as well.
But make no mistake — the idea of Lallana leading the Saints is one that excites fans and stirs nostalgia. After all, who better to revive Southampton’s spirit than one of their own?
For now, he continues to assist interim boss Eckert, hoping a few positive results might open the door to a permanent chance.
If that happens, Lallana could soon be swapping his coaching bib for a full manager’s jacket — and perhaps leading the Saints’ charge back to the Premier League.