Lallana could be the best I’ve managed, says Liverpool boss Klopp

Adam Lallana’s howler may have cost Liverpool two points against Manchester City on Sunday, but boss Jurgen Klopp insists the England star remains arguably the most skilful player he has ever managed.

England midfielder Lallana miskicked with the goal at his mercy in the second half at the Etihad Stadium, after Roberto Firmino’s pass left him with an empty net to aim at.

It was a candidate for miss of the season and was ultimately decisive in the 1-1 draw, after James Milner’s penalty was cancelled out by Sergio Aguero’s leveller in the second half.

But Klopp was not disappointed with the 28-year-old afterwards and admits his post-match apology was unnecessary.

“Obviously he’s one of the best – if not the best – player, technical-wise, I have ever worked with,” he said.

“If he couldn’t [score] in this moment, I thought it was because he worked so hard before.

“The goalie was quite impressive for City today and maybe he made a good movement or whatever, or he [Lallana] was surprised that we played football like this because we hadn’t 20 times before that.

“It was good, but that really can happen. Immediately after the game, Adam said ‘sorry’ to me and I thought, ‘why?’

“But while now I know why he thought he had to say sorry, he didn’t have to because his performance was outstanding again.”