Andoni Iraola proved he was 'special' moments after meeting Alexis Mac Allister, who commented on his first impressions of the Liverpool coach despite uncertainties over his future
Alexis Mac Allister had a brilliant first impression of Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola
Alexis Mac Allister had a brilliant first impression of Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola(Image: Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister instantly saw something "special" when working with new head coach Andoni Iraola, but his future remains uncertain after the club refused to offer him a contract extension.
Mac Allister signed for Liverpool in the summer of 2023 but is now playing under his third head coach after being signed by Jurgen Klopp, who was succeeded by Arne Slot. The changes have led to a lack of stability at Liverpool, and Mac Allister admitted he had options to leave this summer.
While Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have received contract extensions this year, Mac Allister claimed that the club wasn't in a position to offer him a similar deal. However, he remains committed to Liverpool and has faith in the club under Iraola.
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Mac Allister spoke to reporters ahead of Liverpool's upcoming Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. The midfielder dropped a major contract bombshell during the press conference, but also spoke on his first impressions of Iraola.
"Since I came to preseason, I worked under Andoni. I could see something special," Mac Allister said. "I said before, he is a really good coach, he knows very well what he wants to do. We are trying to get there.
"I haven't had any conversations with him about it (a new contract), but when I see the way he wants us to play and train, I think we can have a successful year, which is why I think this is the right place to be."
Liverpool remains undefeated this season, securing back-to-back draws before beating Ipswich Town 2-0 on the road. While Iraola has several issues to address this season, Mac Allister may have restructured the priority order.
Mac Allister has spoken highly of Iraola since his arrival at Liverpool
Mac Allister has spoken highly of Iraola since his arrival at Liverpool(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
Mac Allister has less than two years remaining on his deal, and unlike Szoboszlai and Gravenberch, who arrived during the same transfer window, he hasn't been offered an extension. Mac Allister admitted to feeling "sad" following the contract snub, and could have left this summer.
"There was a chance, of course, as everyone knows," Mac Allister said. "I received the news that the club was not in a position to offer me a new contract, which makes me very, very sad because everyone can see I give 100 percent for this football club every single day in training. I always give my best.
"I see Dominik and Ryan renewing their contracts because they deserve it, it makes me happy, but at the same time, it makes me sad because I didn't get mine. We went through a lot together. We won the Premier League together, and we went through difficult times together, but of course, [not being offered a contract] it makes me a little sad."
Mac Allister revealed that he was sad about not having received a contract offer
Mac Allister revealed that he was sad about not having received a contract offer(Image: Liverpool)
In response, Iraola suggested that there will be negotiations taking place, and has already been impressed by Mac Allister. "We all have responsibilities, contracts with a club," Iraola said.
"We haven't been together a long time, but he is very important and has played a lot of minutes very highly. We have time to talk about those contract situations. I try to help all my players. I hope I can improve my players so I can help them win games.
"Same with Alexis and everyone else. I'm very happy with Alexis and his performances, especially on Friday. I hope I can help him to improve. He's a very good player."