Liverpool face Crystal Palace next up in the Premier League as they look to move on from their top-flight defeat at home to Arsenal
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool applauds fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield
Alexis Mac Allister's future at Liverpool might have become a bit clearer(Image: Getty)
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Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Sunday as they aim for a bounce-back victory against Crystal Palace.
The Reds will look to get the result against Arsenal off their mind after one controversial moment became a major debate. Alexander Isak ended up in the headlines when he was denied a penalty against the reigning champions.
Jurrien Timber was gripping onto the Swede's shirt during the first half as they both rushed to try to get to the end of a cross and Iraola vehemently claimed his team should have been given a spot kick. However, the referee thought otherwise, prompting the Liverpool boss to insist his players will "definitely" go to ground for a foul like this in the future.
Iraola is keenfor his Reds to put this game behind them as they take on the Eagles, who have struggles of their own following three Premier League defeats in a row. Fans will hope, however, that his team is not complacent, as Palace have proven to be a tough away opponent in previous times.
READ MORE: Liverpool set to reward Trey Nyoni with new contract as talks advance for improved deal
The Spaniard's squad may also receive a timely lift from reports suggesting that key man Alexis Mac Allister, whose contract runs out in 2028, may not be as close to the exit door as previously indicated. Here, the ECHOhas the latest headlines coming out of Anfield.
Ex-Red eyes sensational return
Rafa Benitez has confessed he would relish a return to management in the Premier League, 16 years after leaving Liverpool. The Spaniard has not worked in English football since his dismissal by Everton in 2022 and currently serves on the UEFA Technical Observer Group.
Rafa Benitez
Benitez says he would love a Premier League return(Image: Getty)
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But during an interview with talkSPORT, Benitez acknowledged he would welcome another opportunity to manage in England. He explained: "You know that I'm working now for UEFA, but I'm watching games all the time, and especially the Premier League, because I want to know the players, I want to know their style.
"I could see the other day when I was watching Juventus vs Napoli, then I was watching Liverpool vs Arsenal, and you can see the difference. So I like the Premier League because of the intensity. Every game, every ball is a challenge. I think it's fantastic. The problem is that you need to find the right project. Talking about projects in football now is quite complicated."
When quizzed on whether he would favour a role in the Premier League, Benitez added: "Yeah, yeah, I would be happy with that, for sure."
Alexis Mac Allister contract latest
Elsewhere, Liverpool have reportedly kept the door open on offering Mac Allister fresh terms. The 27-year-old has entered the final two years of his contract, sparking considerable speculation about his future. Mac Allister had previously indicated he was anticipating news of an extension but felt "sadness" that nothing had materialised.
Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister has received a contract update(Image: Getty)
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When asked by Gaston Edul about the ongoing dilemma, the midfielder said: "Obviously, we're in a situation where I have a year and a half left on my contract and last season I was told that the club's idea was not to renew it, at least for now. And obviously, that was a painful, unpleasant situation."
However, The Athletic reports that Liverpool have not ruled out a fresh contract for Mac Allister but are in no hurry to put a new deal on the table. Mac Allister has made his desire to remain at Anfield abundantly clear, adding: "The reality is that the manager has now changed, the sporting director has changed, and new investors are coming into the club.
"So I think I'm now in a position where anything can happen. We'll see what happens in the future. I've always said that I'm very happy here, that I really enjoy it, and we'll see."