Alexis Mac Allister has shared how it was Mohamed Salah who first informed him of Jurgen Klopp's decision to leave Liverpool back in January, a revelation that took the entire squad by surprise.
Klopp made his departure public on Friday, January 26, announcing he would be leaving Anfield at the conclusion of the season. He broke the news to his players in a team meeting shortly before the official announcement was made that morning, followed by a hastily arranged press conference later that afternoon.
Mac Allister remembers being told of Klopp's plans earlier this year by Salah, just prior to the manager informing the players at the club's AXA Training Centre. Due to their squad numbers (10 for Mac Allister and 11 for Salah), the pair sit next to each other in the Liverpool dressing room.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the 2022 World Cup winner recalled: "It was crazy because we didn't know anything and it was a day when we went to training and normally it used to be 10:30am or 10:45am and as I was on my way to the training ground, I had a message that we had a meeting at 10:30am."
"So it was quite weird and when I got to the training ground, I was next to Salah in the dressing room so I asked him what was going on and he said the manager is leaving. From Mo Salah, yes. But it was a surprise because no one expected it.
"I think at that time we were first or second in the league so it was a good moment, so there was no reason to leave. But yeah, we had a meeting and basically he explained or he said that he was leaving and we had to accept it."
Mac Allister continued: "I think everyone was in shock because no one expected it. Why is he leaving? But we understood that it was his decision, he was leaving and we respected it and he earned the right to do whatever he wanted.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. (Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
"We understood straight away that we had to finish the season in a good way. I don't think it affected us, no. Maybe that could be the excuse and we could blame him but I don't think it affected us.
"We just ran out of energy at the end and when you compete against teams like Arsenal and Manchester City, you have to be at your best. So no, I don't think Jurgen's departure affected us but of course it was a surprise for everyone."
Klopp was subsequently replaced by Arne Slot, who signed a three-year deal after moving from Feyenoord at the start of June, and the Reds currently lead both the Premier League and the new-look Champions League tables as they head into the second week of December.
Mac Allister says he has been delighted with how things have gone so far under the new regime as he talked up the tactical detail the head coach gives to his team. Mac Allister has been vocal about the positive changes under Slot, stating: "I think from the first day he was very clear with the things he wanted on and off the pitch."
On a personal note, Mac Allister feels the new system Slot has deployed benefits him. "Does it suit me?" he added. "For sure. It is a different position. Last season I played as a six and now it is a double six or even an eight or a 10, whatever you want to call it."
Liverpool.com says: Mac Allister has benefited from playing under Slot in as much as he is playing in his best position but he was excellent under Klopp as well. The Argentine is a brilliant midfielder at his best and he should be heading into his peak years.