Liverpool fans are adamant Roberto De Zerbi took aim at Moises Caicedo when speaking about Alexis Mac Allister

Liverpool fans are adamant that Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi aimed a dig at Moises Caicedo when speaking about Alexis Mac Allister.

Last summer, Argentine midfielder Mac Allister left the Seagulls to join Liverpool in a deal worth a reported fee of £35 million.

Since his move to Anfield, Mac Allister has fast become a fans’ favourite after putting in a string of impressive performances.

Ahead of Sunday afternoon’s clash between Liverpool and Brighton at Anfield, Seagulls boss De Zerbi spoke about Mac Allister’s move to Merseyside.

As reported by The Argus, the Italian said: “With me and with my staff he was super correct.

“Before we could read it in the newspapers, in the press, the possibility he could go to Liverpool, he went into my office to communicate it in front of me and to explain the reason.”

De Zerbi continued: “I understood logically and I appreciated a lot because he was clear and he was honest. Not all other players were the same.”

Reacting on social media, Liverpool fans were adamant that De Zerbi took aim at Caicedo, who left Brighton for Chelsea after rejecting a chance to move to Anfield.

One fan said: “The last statement was like ‘now let’s throw a little shade at Caicedo’”

Another tweeted: “Hold that CAICEDO.”

A third fan added: “Zerbi loves to cook Caicedo.”

Someone else wrote: “Why do feel he's talking about Caicedo when says "other players”??”

A fifth commented: “He was talking about Caicedo in the end there.”

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De Zerbi went on to heap further praise on Mac Allister, he said: “But I can explain his qualities as a man, as a guy.

“I wanted to come with him to our fans because he deserved to celebrate with them. He was nice with everybody in this club.”

After the Argentine was left in tears when saying his goodbyes to Brighton fans, the Brighton boss added: “Yes, because he’s a passionate guy and he suffered to leave. Of course he was happy to go to Liverpool and we can understand it.

“But, in the same way, he was sad to leave his teammate and this club.”