Jurgen Klopp left the Liverpool squad in 'shock for hours' after news of his departure broke.
The German is set to end his nine-year stay at Anfield later this year and recorded his 300th win as boss after the Reds beat Brighton 2-1.
Still battling on three separate fronts, Klopp's successor is yet to be determined but having won the Carabao Cup, the Merseysiders are also still in the hunt for the Premier League and the Europa League.
Goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah ensured victory for Liverpool, who were still without Trent Alexander-Arnold through injury.
Speaking to Sky Sports prior to the 2pm kick-off, the England international revealed just how the news was taken after Klopp announced he would be leaving at the end of the season.
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"[It was] just a complete surprise to all of us as players, it was one that we didn't see coming, you never do, especially when things are going so well," began the 25-year-old defender.
"We were flying, up and around the top of the league, we're fighting on all four fronts at that point for every trophy we could so you're expecting the good times to keep coming and coming and coming.
"So when he tells us the news and his decision we have got to respect it obviously but it's one of them no player wants to hear and it was one that kind of shook the dressing room for a couple of hours.
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"But he told us, 'Look we're professionals, don't let it get to us'. There will be a lot of noise around, of course, but we have got to go and do our job, try and win games and give him the best possible finish."
With four games to come in the space of two weeks, the Reds will hope to give their long-standing boss a valued send off as their quest for silverware continues.
They next take on Sheffield United later this week before a trip to Manchester United follows.
Topics: Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jurgen Klopp
Matthew Holt