Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola
Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola’s impact at Liverpool is beginning to show, with the Reds looking a more united side after a difficult previous season.
There is a different feeling around Anfield, with players appearing to fight for their manager and, just as importantly, for one another.
That spirit is reflected in recent results.
Liverpool have beaten Brighton 2-0, edged Brentford 2-1 away and produced an impressive 4-3 comeback against Villarreal after falling two goals behind.
They also thrashed LASK 6-3, showing that the attacking unit is starting to click.
One player central to that improvement is Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentine endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign, with Liverpool struggling and the midfielder unable to reach the level he had shown during the title-winning season of 2024/25.
He made 55 appearances in all competitions, but his performances were viewed as well below his usual standard.
This season, however, Mac Allister looks a different player.
He has refound his energy and control, alongside a greater defensive commitment to his game, while showing his ability find the back of the net as well.
His brace against Villarreal was another reminder of what he can offer.
He has been one of the standout performers in the Andoni Iraola era so far.
That turnaround is even more impressive given the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Mac Allister admitted his sadness after initially being told Liverpool were not in a position to offer him a new contract in the summer.
Seeing new deals arrive for Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch added to the dip in his mood but despite the dissappointment, he insisted he wanted to stay and continue giving everything he had for the club.
There has now been a fresh development after it was reported that Liverpool are now preparing to open talks with the midfielder.
That same report highlighted just how highly Andoni Iraola rates him.
Ismael Mahmoud said:
“According to the source, Alexis is one of the most understanding players of the game and the instructions of coach Andoni Iraola, as the Argentine player is highly appreciated by the Spanish coach, who sees him as an indispensable player in the team for the next stage.”
For a player who appeared to be on his way out months ago, that is some comeback.
Mac Allister is doing his talking on the pitch, and Iraola sees him as a key part of Liverpool’s plans.
Iraola’s love for Alexis Mac Allister was confirmed recently after he spoke about the football intelligence that the midfielder possesses:
“What I can say about him is that I’m happy, because his performances have been very good since day one I arrived.”
“He arrived [as] the last one from the national team, but straight away took everything, all the information. I think he’s smart, understands, you don’t need to explain seven times the same things to Alexis.”
“Some of the players get things very quickly, get information even from opposition, what we need from each team, from each position.”
“And I think he helps a lot also his team-mates, because he understands the overall picture, and it’s good to have him on the pitch.”
His future appears to be become clearer with every game that passes.
Support DaveOCKOP and enjoy the site completely ad-free. You’ll get an uninterrupted browsing experience while helping us continue to deliver the latest Liverpool news, breaking stories and exclusives. Go ad-free today.
Fotbal Club FCSB v Fenerbahce SK - UEFA Europa League 2025 26 League Phase MD8 A Fenerbahce flag is seen during the UEFA Europa League game between FCSB and Fenerbahce SK at National Arena in Bucharest, Romania, on January 29, 2026. Bucharest Romania PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xAlexxNicodimx originalFilename:nicodim-fotbalcl260129_npk0b.jpg