Former Southampton star Adam Lallana is reportedly keen on stepping into the managerial role at St Mary’s following the dismissal of Will Still, though the club is unlikely to make such a move at this stage.
According to Sky Sports, Southampton are conducting a “thorough process” to identify Still’s successor after a disappointing run of just 2 wins from 13 Championship games led to his departure on Sunday.
Despite his desire, Lallana’s lack of senior managerial experience is said to be a key factor working against him.
The 37-year-old retired from playing in the summer after a 17-year career that included spells with Southampton, Liverpool, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
🚨 Interim boss Tonda Eckert is being supported by former Southampton player Adam Lallana – who would be interested in becoming a head coach – but is deemed an unlikely option at this time, given his lack of experience in the role #saintsfc @SkySportsLyall pic.twitter.com/KwL2FIbBG1
— SaintsExtra (@SaintsExtra) November 4, 2025
Saints Assessing Successor Options
The south coast side have turned to Under-21s boss Tonda Eckert as interim head coach while the search continues. Reports suggest former managers Ralph Hasenhüttl and Russell Martin have both been discussed as possible candidates, although a return for either remains unlikely.
“Saints’ U21s head coach Tonda Eckert is taking charge of the team on a temporary basis,” Sky Sports reported. “The club are looking to give him their full support in the interim period, hoping a positive upturn in results gives them time to make the right decision.”
Despite Lallana’s interest, senior figures at the club are thought to prefer an experienced appointment, with the club sitting perilously close to the Championship relegation zone. Granting the job to a first-time head coach could be deemed too great a risk as the club looks to stabilise following a turbulent few months.
Lallana’s Coaching Path Ahead
Lallana’s football journey started at Bournemouth, but it was at Southampton where he really made his name. After joining their academy in 2000, he worked his way up through the ranks and turned pro in 2006.
A short loan spell back at Bournemouth followed, but it wasn’t long before he was starring for Saints’ first team. Lallana played a key role as they climbed from League One all the way to the Premier League, even taking on the captain’s armband in 2012.
BREAKING: After 305 Premier League appearances and 34 England caps, Adam Lallana has confirmed his retirement from football aged 37 🚨 pic.twitter.com/7EW7y5YvuG
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 25, 2025
His performances caught the eye of Liverpool, and in 2014 he made the big move to Anfield for £25 million. There, he became part of Jürgen Klopp’s thrilling side, winning the Champions League in 2019 and ending Liverpool’s long wait for a Premier League title the following year.
In 2020, Lallana made the switch to Brighton, where his experience and leadership were huge for the club over 4 solid seasons. He eventually wrapped up his playing career back where it all started — at Southampton in 2025.
On the international stage, Lallana earned 34 caps for England, scoring 3 times and representing the Three Lions at both the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
His recent transition from playing to coaching was seen as a natural progression, and insiders believe he could yet become a long-term managerial option once he gains further experience.
The former England international’s understanding of the club’s ethos and his leadership in the dressing room have impressed the hierarchy, but for now, he is expected to continue assisting Eckert during the interim period.
With Southampton preparing for a crucial trip to Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday, the immediate focus remains on halting the team’s alarming slide down the table.
