Alexis Mac Allister has previously named Roberto De Zerbi the best manager he has ever worked for, ahead of Liverpool manager Arne Slott and Jurgen Klopp. Mac Allister joined the Reds in the summer of 2023 from Brighton, where he had been since 2019.
The midfielder spent one season under Klopp at Anfield before the German brought his glorious reign to an end at the end of the 2023/24 season. Slott took over the reins and led the Reds to a strong Premier League title win in his debut season, which was also Mac Allister’s first trophy on English soil.
However, the World Cup winner previously claimed that his last boss at Brighton was De Zerbi, who surpassed every manager he had ever played for.
The Italian, currently at Marseille, was instrumental in Mac Allister’s development and the midfielder clearly remembers him fondly.
He interviewed manager Gary Lineker on ‘The Rest of Football’ in December 2024 and said: “He’s a crazy guy, but I love him. I think he’s the best manager I’ve ever had.”
A surprised Lineker replied: “Really? Klopp and Slott are there.”
When asked about De Zerbi’s characteristics, Mac Allister explained: “It’s the passion he puts into football. That’s special. Also, his ideas and tactics are great.”
“He makes me feel good in the team. From the first day we met, he treated me great. That’s why I said he’s the best coach.”
Mac Allister left Brighton a year before De Zerbi’s sudden departure at the end of the 2023/24 season.
His third season at Anfield has proven difficult so far, with him and his team-mates receiving jeers from their home fans after defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
The game was Slott’s ninth loss in 12 games this season, and the club’s worst result in over 70 years, with their third consecutive loss by three points.
This alarming situation and the nature of the losses have created a scenario that seemed impossible just two months ago, and Slots faces pressure to deliver results now.
