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Alexis Mac Allister's dad says they must show respect to Liverpool - but acknowledged it is "nice" to see connections with the world's biggest clubs, amid speculation regarding Real Madrid's interest.
Carlos Mac Allister has spoken ahead of the Reds' clash with the Spanish team on Tuesday, but he maintains there was no communication with the La Liga side following reports of interest. The Argentine found himself at the center of transfer speculation last season and throughout the summer transfer window, as it was suggested that Xabi Alonso's club had identified him as its next major acquisition.
Mac Allister delivered an impressive performance for the Reds during their encounter with Los Blancos last season, which they won 2-0, as he broke the deadlock at Anfield before Cody Gakpo sealed the win late on.
While the 26-year-old's dad acknowledged it is a privilege to see his son associated with the record Champions League winners, he emphasized that they must demonstrate respect toward Liverpool.
"I read the rumors, but that's all they were," he said, addressing the transfer rumours in an interview with AS. "There was no contact.
"In any case, it's always nice when my son is linked with the biggest clubs in the world. Real Madrid is a very big club, but so is Liverpool, and we must be responsible and respect the institution he belongs to and that believed in him.
"I have to be prudent. He plays for Liverpool now. In the future, if the opportunity arises and it's appropriate, he'll have to make his own decisions.
"That's what I've raised them to be. I have the freedom to give them my opinion, and they have the obligation to do what they think is best."
The midfielder still has three years left on his existing contract with Liverpool, while his central midfield colleagues Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai have been reportedly in discussions regarding new deals at Anfield.
Mac Allister has established himself as a crucial player in the Reds' engine room and displayed signs of rediscovering his peak form during Saturday's 2-0 triumph against Aston Villa.
The South American has battled fitness issues and struggled to regain full match sharpness, which affected his performances toward the conclusion of Liverpool's title-winning season and disrupted his summer preparations ahead of the championship defence.
Although speculation has emerged regarding potential interest from Madrid, Mac Allister has consistently reaffirmed his dedication to Arne Slot's squad. Speaking to TyC Sports' Gaston Edul, he stated: "I read the rumors and the news reaches me, but the important thing is the present.
"No matter how much the club loves me, if I play poorly this weekend, they'll lose interest.
"I'm fine at Liverpool and I don't have any need. So, I have a lot of respect for the club, and I don't think it's necessary to talk about other clubs."
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