Mac Allister says Iraola has restored Liverpool’s balance after difficult season

Alexis Mac Allister says Liverpool have undergone a significant change under new manager Andoni Iraola after the team appeared to have “something wrong” during Arne Slot’s tenure.

Slot was dismissed at the end of last season, with Iraola appointed as his replacement. The new manager has overseen 11 matches so far, recording seven victories, three draws and one defeat.

Liverpool’s latest game came in the Champions League on Tuesday, when they beat Spanish side Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield. Mac Allister was central to the result, scoring twice for the Reds.

Speaking after the final whistle, the Argentina midfielder reflected openly on Liverpool’s difficult campaign last season while also explaining why he is enjoying the football being played under Iraola.

“It was a very difficult year for all of us last year,” Mac Allister told Amazon Prime after the win. “Obviously, I wasn’t at my best, and I’m the first to admit that – I have no problem with that.

“There was something wrong in the team, and this manager has changed it.”

Mac Allister, who joined Liverpool’s midfield in the aftermath of the previous campaign, said the team’s approach now feels markedly different. His comments were reported by the British newspaper Mirror.

“That is really important,” he added. “Our style of play is completely different – I don’t like comparisons, but I feel good now and this is what I want and what I enjoy.”

The midfielder’s two goals against Villarreal came during a match in which Liverpool extended Iraola’s strong start in charge. The victory left the manager with seven wins from his opening 11 matches, alongside three draws and one loss.

Mac Allister’s assessment offered a clear contrast between the current side and the team that struggled to find consistency last season. While he acknowledged his own performance had fallen short of his expectations, he said the wider team had also needed to change.

Under Iraola, Liverpool have adopted a style that Mac Allister described as entirely different, and the Argentina international said he now feels in a better position to contribute. His comments came immediately after a high-scoring Champions League victory in front of the Anfield crowd.