In a revelation that has sent ripples through the football world, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has made a bold declaration about the best manager he has ever played for, and it is neither Jurgen Klopp nor current boss Arne Slot.
The Surprising Verdict
Despite experiencing title-winning success under both legendary Liverpool managers, the 26-year-old Argentine international has placed his former Brighton & Hove Albion coach, Roberto De Zerbi, at the pinnacle of his career. Mac Allister made this surprising admission during an appearance on The Rest is Football podcast with Gary Lineker in December 2024.
When asked to name his finest manager, Mac Allister did not hesitate, stating of De Zerbi: “He’s a crazy guy but I love him. I think he is the best manager I’ve ever had.” A taken-aback Lineker immediately referenced the calibre of coaches he had worked with at Anfield, responding: “Really? You’ve got Klopp and Slot in there.”
What Makes De Zerbi Special?
Mac Allister, who signed for Liverpool for £55million in the summer of 2023, was effusive in his praise for the Italian tactician, who now manages Marseille. He credited De Zerbi’s unique passion and tactical intelligence as the defining factors.
“It’s the passion he gives for football. That’s special,” Mac Allister explained. “Then it’s his ideas, the tactical side is amazing. He makes you feel good in the team. Since the first day I met him, he was amazing with me, that’s why I said he was the best coach.”
This endorsement highlights the profound impact De Zerbi had on Mac Allister during their time together at Brighton, which was instrumental in the player's development and subsequent high-profile move.
Contrasting Fortunes at Anfield
This revelation comes at a turbulent time for Mac Allister at Liverpool. His first season under Klopp culminated in the German’s emotional departure at the end of the 2023/24 season. His second campaign began triumphantly as Arne Slot guided the Reds to a dominant Premier League title victory, marking Mac Allister’s first major trophy in England.
However, the current 2025/26 season has been a stark contrast. The team is enduring its worst run of form in over 70 years, having suffered nine defeats in 12 games under Slot. A recent 4-1 home loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League even prompted boos from their own supporters, heaping pressure on the Dutch manager to turn results around quickly.
This shocking downturn in form has led to unthinkable questions about Slot’s future, with some even speculating about a potential, though highly theoretical, return for the now-retired Jurgen Klopp.
Against this backdrop of uncertainty at his current club, Mac Allister’s heartfelt tribute to his former manager underscores the lasting impression a coach can leave, transcending even the most glittering of recent successes.
