Andoni Iraola has had to address contract discussions ahead of Liverpool's Champions League campaign beginning
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 08: Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool, speaks to the media during the press conference on day ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 at Anfield on September 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola was quizzed during his pre-match press conference(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola is set to make his Champions League managerial debut as Liverpool host Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night. The clash serves as a rerun of last season’s 3-2 home victory over Diego Simeone’s side, and the Spanish tactician will be eager to replicate that result to kick off the Reds' European campaign in style.
Liverpool head into the fixture riding high on momentum after opening their domestic season with a 2-0 win against Ipswich Town, powered by an Alexander Isak brace. That match also featured the debut of £123million marquee signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the excitement has been dampened somewhat by news of Barcola suffering a blow, alongside off-field distractions as Iraola faces public speculation surrounding the future of one of his core players.
Iraola response
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola was asked about Alexis Mac Allister's contract situation(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
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Alexis Mac Allister joined Iraola at Tuesday's pre-match press conference, where the midfielder made the surprising revelation that he had received offers to depart the club over the summer, while also confessing he was 'very sad' at not being presented with a new contract.
He said: "There was a chance (I could leave), of course, as everyone knows. 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 per cent for this football club every single day in training. I always give my best."
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When pressed on the 27-year-old's remarks, Iraola responded: "For me, the most important thing is that Alexis wants to be here." The Reds manager was subsequently asked whether he had personally discussed the contract situation with Mac Allister, to which he replied: "No. 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."
Barcola blow
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Bradley Barcola of Liverpool is challenged by Abdul Fatawu of Ipswich Town during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Ipswich Town and Liverpool FC at Portman Road on September 04, 2026 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola made his debut for Liverpool last week(Image: Getty Images)
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France international Bradley Barcola was surprisingly absent from the list of 30 players nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or. The contenders were revealed on Tuesday, with Barcola's omission featuring amongst the most notable surprises, alongside his ex-PSG colleague, Desire Doue.
The Champions League holders boasted an impressive 10 players on the list, including summer arrival Ferran Torres. Barcola, 24, endured a productive previous season in France, netting 13 goals and providing seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. Liverpool's underwhelming title defence last season, which yielded no silverware, meant the club failed to feature among the nominees.