Adam Lallana says he will take some time to rest after departing Brighton as he continues to be linked with a return to the South coast.

Lallana called his final season with Albion “very difficult” as he continued to live away from his family, citing the added pressure of European football as taking its toll.

The outgoing midfielder also praised Graham Potter as he continues to be linked with a return to the Amex and backed him for the job.

Speaking to talkSport, he said: “I’m going to enjoy a little break now and a little holiday.

“It was a very difficult season with Europe and managing the schedule. I lived away from home so I want to take some time to rest and be with my family.

“I don’t see why not [on Potter returning]. Graham is a great manager and a great man as well.

“I think the job he did in Brighton was outstanding and he was a big part of the success that Roberto had. He built the foundations.”

Lallana stressed he loved his time with Brighton as he departs the club after four years.

He added that he was “very fortunate” to be a part of the club but that his time with Brighton is “done and dusted”.

The midfielder is currently linked with a return to Southampton, where he spent eight years and played over 200 times, to which he said: “we’ll see.”

As he looks to the future, Lallana also spoke about a potential move to coaching having recently completed his UEFA B licence with Albion having served as assistant head coach between Potter and De Zerbi’s tenures.

He said that seeing how Graham Potter had been treated at Chelsea affected his perception of management – and may make him think twice about a move to the touchline.

He said: “I think he [Potter] was hard done by at Chelsea.

“It might even put me off going down that route, just how quickly managers seem to lose their job.

“It’s sad to see when managers go in and don’t get time. You need time to change things in life as with anything.”