Alexis Mac Allister believes Andoni Iraola has fixed problems that arose in the Liverpool dressing room after a difficult last season under Arne Slot.
Mac Allister scored twice in Liverpool’s 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal on Tuesday. The win came after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season, a disappointing outcome after Slot had led them to the title in his first campaign at Anfield.
The Argentina international admitted his own performances had fallen below the required level last season. He also suggested that the problems went beyond individual form before explaining how Iraola had changed the team’s approach since taking charge.
“Last year was a really difficult year for all of us,” Mac Allister told Amazon Prime. “It was clear that I was not at the level. I am the first one to say, I have no problem.
“Something wasn’t right in the group. This manager changed it, and that’s really important.”
One of the biggest differences has been Liverpool’s defensive approach. Mac Allister said Iraola had moved the team towards a more man-to-man system, in contrast with the zonal approach used under Slot.
“The way we play is quite different. I don’t like to compare,” he said. “I feel good, that’s what I want and that’s what I enjoy.
“Now, it’s more man to man. You have to communicate less because you have to follow [the opponent]. Last year it was more of a zonal thing. With the national team we do more of a zonal thing and it works. Now, we do a one vs. one and it works.”
Mac Allister said the new system placed greater responsibility on individual players and required them to cover more ground.
“In the end, it’s about us taking the responsibility,” he said. “That’s one of the changes. But now it’s much easier, you have to think less but run more, maybe. That’s the way football is going.”
Liverpool had to recover from a difficult start against Villarreal after conceding twice early in the match. Mac Allister’s header reduced the deficit before Ronald Araujo equalised, and the midfielder later scored again after good work from Rio Ngumoha.
Mac Allister said attacking the near post was a familiar part of his game, despite his relatively short stature.
“I am not tall! But I love going into the box,” he said. “Coaches know that I like to attack the near post. I scored in the World Cup, as well. That’s the place that I like to [get to].
“My dad is the same height, maybe a bit smaller, and he was good in the air as well.”
Ngumoha was another of Liverpool’s standout performers. The young winger helped create Mac Allister’s second goal, and the midfielder praised his contribution beyond the attacking moments that attracted attention.
“Rio was amazing, he made the difference,” Mac Allister said. “Sometimes you speak about players who score goals but he was really important.
“It is clear, the quality that he has. Everyone knows. It’s easy to see that he is a really good player. He worked hard off the ball and that’s important, as well.”
Mac Allister also revealed that he had spoken to Ngumoha about the type of delivery he preferred in the penalty area.
“The second goal; Rio, amazing, as well. I always speak with him about crossing the ball on the floor.”
