Adam Lallana admits speaking with Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino about giving up the captaincy before the start of the season.

The midfielder has thrived this term working under the Argentine.

"I felt this year has been a big year for me. I feel a lot more settled with the captaincy this year," he told the Daily Echo.

"It did weigh on me. There is no secret about it.

"I spoke to a few people about it and even giving it up because I felt it was having an impact on my performances.

"I spoke to Mauricio about it and he said to me 'just be patient, there's time, you're a young man and these things do take time'. He was right.

"It's why he will be one of the best managers in the world one day, because he's not just tactically brilliant, his man management skills and knowledge of the game is exceptional.

"That's why it's a privilege to have done so well this season under him."