Jurgen Klopp has explained his decision to give Adam Lallana a new role during pre-season.

Lallana, who has spent the majority of his career as an attacking midfielder, has been switched to play in a deeper role.

The England man has been employed in the Liverpool engine room alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner in the first-half team for the opening friendlies against Tranmere Rovers and Bradford City.

And Klopp believes Lallana's performances suggest he could provide a different option in the fierce competition for places in midfield.

“Adam is the kind of player he can play that and he enjoys this 'Jorginho' role – I hope (former Chelsea boss) Maurizio Sarri doesn't see the games or he will make an offer!” joked Klopp, speaking after Sunday's 3-1 win at Bradford.

“It is about getting Adam rhythm, bringing him in early and doing things he is naturally good at: small spaces, passing the ball, and then from time-to-time offering the runs in behind as well and together with Milly that is possible.

“For us it is another option.”

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Lallana has missed significant portions of the last two seasons through injury having been a regular during Klopp's first 18 months in charge.

“He needs a bit of luck, like we all do in life,” said the Reds boss.

“We have to come through without injuries, that would be cool, and then we have a couple of new players, I would say, this season.”

Klopp was also asked if being European champions has made Liverpool the team everyone wants to beat this coming season.

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“To be honest last year we were second in Europe and everyone wanted to win against us,” he said.

“I can't believe when we went to Newcastle it was really intense and it felt like a World Cup.

“I don't think it can become more but it will be tough like always. I had to learn that pretty quick: when a Liverpool team goes somewhere they (opposition) are all on their toes.

“But it was never different.”