Alexis Mac Allister has admitted that Liverpool struggled with problems inside the squad during Arne Slot’s final season. The midfielder believes new manager Andoni Iraola has helped change the situation, with a different tactical approach giving players greater clarity on the pitch, as per the latest news.
Mac Allister Opens Up About Liverpool’s Difficult Season
Mac Allister believes Liverpool faced problems within the group last season. The midfielder also admitted that his own performances were below his usual level. As reported by ESPN, the midfielder credited new manager Andoni Iraola with changing the atmosphere and introducing a different tactical approach. He did not blame Slot alone for the team’s struggles. Instead, he accepted his own role in the terrible run and spoke about the need for players to improve.
Liverpool struggled to maintain their best form during Slot’s final season. The team lacked consistency, and several players found it hard to perform at their usual level. The change in manager has now given the squad a chance to start again. Mac Allister’s response will matter to Liverpool supporters. He was a key player during the club’s title-winning campaign, thanks to his work in midfield and ability to control the game. However, he struggled to reach the same level last season. The Argentine now has a chance to rebuild his form under Iraola.
Mac Allister’s 2026/27 stats for Liverpool so far, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Matches Goals Assists Chances created Defensive contributions Duels won(%)
Premier League 7 0 0 6 58 50.9%
EFL Cup 1 1 1 2 5 54.5%
UCL 3 3 0 6 9 61.5%
How Andoni Iraola Has Changed Liverpool’s Tactics
Mac Allister also explained a key change in Liverpool’s defensive approach. Under Slot, the team relied more on zonal marking. Iraola has moved towards a man-to-man system, which asks players to follow their opponents more closely. The two systems require different habits. Zonal marking asks players to protect certain areas of the pitch. Man-to-man marking puts more focus on tracking individual opponents. This can help a team press with greater intensity, but it also demands more running and focus.
Mac Allister believes the new system has made things clearer for the players. He also recognised that the approach requires more physical effort. The team must be alert and work together so that there are no gaps in defense. The challenge for Liverpool is to make these changes work against other opponents. Liverpool have to adapt from game to game because the Premier League has teams with different styles of play.
The club also needs to balance its domestic campaign with European football. Fans following football will be watching to see whether Iraola’s ideas bring steady results. A new system can improve a team, but the players must apply it well across the season.
Liverpool
Liverpool Must Turn Change Into Results
Mac Allister’s comments suggest that Liverpool are trying to move past last season’s problems. A new manager can bring fresh ideas, but real progress takes time. The team must show that it can perform well over a long run of matches. Mac Allister will have an important role in that process. His capacity to quickly move the ball forward and support both defense and attack make him a valuable asset in the midfield. His return to form could allow Liverpool to be more secure with the ball and more effective when pressing the opponent.
The midfielder’s willingness to accept responsibility is also a positive sign. He has not placed all the blame on the previous manager. Instead, he has recognised the need for change and the part each player must play.