Alexis Mac Allister has revealed that his underwhelming performances last season were a result of "playing with pain," which began during Arne Slot's first year at Liverpool
Alexis Mac Allister has discussed his struggles from last season
Alexis Mac Allister has discussed his struggles from last season(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has denied claims that he has been playing with an injury since the start of last season, but admitted that he's been dealing with "pain" since Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp.
Mac Allister joined Liverpool in the summer of 2023, after the club triggered his $47.3 million release clause before agreeing a deal with Brighton. Mac Allister remains committed to Liverpool, but feels "sad" that the club has yet to offer an extension.
Andoni Iraola has been impressed with Mac Allister since becoming Liverpool's head coach this summer, and is confident that negotiations can take place. However, Iraola is yet to see the best of Mac Allister, who has been playing through pain.
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Mac Allister has been a key player for Liverpool since his arrival, but the midfielder suffered a dip in form last season. While the 2025-26 season was difficult for the entire club and led to Slot's dismissal, Mac Allister's struggles were evident.
The midfielder then represented Argentina at the FIFA World Cup, helping his nation to the final before a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Spain. Mac Allister has featured in every Liverpool game this season, but has now responded to an underwhelming campaign.
"That injury wasn't really an injury, I was playing with pain basically started in the middle of (the) season we won (the) Premier League," Mac Allister told reporters on Tuesday. "Not something I couldn't play with.
"But that's what every player at this level goes through. There are so many games, and you want to be involved.
Mac Allister has been playing with pain since the 2024-25 season
Mac Allister has been playing with pain since the 2024-25 season(Image: (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images))
"I take responsibility as it wasn't a good season for me individually to us as a team. It's not like I don't want to take responsibility for it."
Mac Allister spoke ahead of Liverpool's opening Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, as his busy calendar year continues. Mac Allister's involvement in the World Cup final restricted his summer break after a tough season, but he's not concerned.
"It's the same for almost every player right now," he said. "But it's good. I love playing football and love being here in terms of the guys, it's good, it's a good start to the season.
"The results haven't been the best, as at Liverpool you have to win every game, but I see a lot of improvement and positive things we have to keep doing. Tomorrow is going to be important."
Mac Allister is aiming for a more successful season without pain, but he almost left the club this summer. Mac Allister announced the bombshell news during Tuesday's conference, as he watched Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch receive contract extensions from Liverpool.
"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."