"He's the best manager I've ever had" – Liverpool superstar says he previously worked with coach better than Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has surprisingly named Olympique Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi as the best coach he has ever played under, snubbing Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp.

During a recent chat on The Rest Is Football podcast, Mac Allister showered praise on the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion manager. He said (h/t TBR):

"He's a crazy guy, but I love him. I think he's the best manager I've ever had."

England legend Gary Lineker expressed his surprise, commenting:

"Really? Wow! You've got Slot and Klopp in there."

Responding to Lineker, the former Brighton midfielder elaborated:

"I had a couple of conversations with Slot about De Zerbi as well, because he really likes the idea. Then I have coaches like [Gabriel] Heinze as well in Argentina. So I have very good coaches."

Asked to reveal why De Zerbi is special to him, Mac Allister replied:

"I think the passion he gives for football, that's special. And then his idea, his tactical side is amazing. He makes yourself feel good in the team. So since the first day I met him, he was amazing with me. And that's why I said he was the best coach."

Before joining Liverpool for £35 million in the summer of 2023, Mac Allister played 34 matches across competitions under De Zerbi at Brighton. The 25-year-old midfielder contributed eight goals and three assists under the Italian coach.

Mac Allister, who has also worked under Lionel Scaloni, has made 67 overall appearances for Liverpool so far. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has scored nine goals and registered seven assists for the current Premier League leaders.

Jermaine Pennant hits out at Liverpool attacker

During an interaction with Anfield Index, former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant was queried to opine on Darwin Nunez's sub-par display in a recent 3-3 league draw at Newcastle United. He replied:

"It doesn't surprise me anymore. You can get unbelievable moments from him but he misses far too many sitters, and there were two last night! How much longer can you keep hoping that he turns it around? I'm not convinced and I've already lost all hope on that front."

Nunez, 25, has recently received a lot of flak for his erratic performances. He completed eight of his 12 passes and none of his two dribbles, and missed two big chances at St. James' Park earlier this Wednesday (December 4).

The former Benfica striker has scored just three goals and provided two assists in 18 matches across competitions for Liverpool this season.