Simon Rusk confirmed that he isn't considering fielding Adam Lallana in the coming St. Mary's fixture for a proper send-off as a player.
Recently, Southampton fullback Ryan Manning didn't shy away from showering his admiration towards Adam Lallana. To be honest, those praises are well deserved for the significant Premier League draws Lallana has achieved alongside Simon Rusk within a matter of weeks.
Hence, it's safe to say that Lallana has got off to the best possible start to his coaching career at Southampton. In spite of that, the experienced midfielder might not be satisfied with every applause he has earned from the Saints.
Part of that is because the management job wasn't Lallana's sole motive behind his St. Mary's homecoming. Instead, hanging his playing boots in front of the Southampton faithful could have been the perfect way to call time on Lallana's Premier League days.
Rusk pours cold water on Adam Lallana's farewell speculation
On paper, the Saints still have two matches in hand with a home clash against Arsenal to sign off the current campaign. So, hopes and the "never say never" attitude are still there but Rusk himself has come forward to say never.
In his own words, Rusk played down Lallana's farewell idea while talking to the Daily Echo: "It's not in my thinking at the minute. Adam has been great for me."
Simply put, Lallana as a player is a closed chapter at Southampton. Regardless, the former's tactical voice might remain firm in the Saints dressing room for the upcoming years.
It's plain simple, Southampton need a new manager for their first team. Yet, that doesn't mean that Lallana can't come good in an assistant role or as a youth scout at the club.
Ultimately, let's see what's next in store for Adam Lallana and Southampton over the summer.