Liverpool will face Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday in their Champions League opener, with Andoni Iraola set to take charge of his first European game as Liverpool head coach after replacing Arne Slot in the summer.
The Spaniard will be looking to build on the Reds’ first Premier League win of the season, a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Friday that ended their run of two consecutive 2-2 draws. Alexander Isak scored both goals, with Cody Gakpo providing the assists.
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Liverpool head into their European campaign with confidence boosted by that result, while Iraola faces questions about his plans for Atletico and the demands of managing in the Champions League for the first time.
The match will also provide a significant test of the high-intensity approach he has introduced since taking charge.
Atletico, managed by Diego Simeone, will provide a stern test as Liverpool begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister was the first Liverpool player to face the media at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
The Argentine midfielder revealed there was a genuine possibility he could have left the club during the summer.
“There was a chance, of course,” Mac Allister said. “I received the news that the club wasn’t in a position to offer me a new contract, which made me sad.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Mac Allister was quick to reassure Liverpool supporters of his commitment to the club.
“The fans don’t need to worry. I will give 100% until the last day I’m here. We will see what happens.”
He added: “There were options to leave this summer… but right now I feel I’m in the right club”.
Mac Allister stayed at Liverpool this summer despite months of transfer speculation surrounding his future at Anfield.
The Argentine midfielder was strongly linked with a move away from the club, with Real Madrid and Manchester City both credited with interest at different stages of the transfer window.
However, no move materialised, and Mac Allister has since been reintegrated into the Liverpool squad.
The World Cup winner is now in line to start against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
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Alexis Mac Allister confirms he was not offered a new deal:
“There was a chance of course as everyone know. I received the news 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% for this football club… pic.twitter.com/73UbQO4cnC
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) September 8, 2026