Mac Allister hails Iraola impact after Liverpool’s win over Villarreal
Alexis Mac Allister said Andoni Iraola has repaired the problems that affected Liverpool’s squad last season, after the midfielder scored twice in a 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal at Anfield on Tuesday.
Liverpool had won the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first year as manager, but a fifth-place finish in the following campaign brought change in the dugout. Iraola has since taken charge, and Mac Allister believes the new manager has altered both the mood and the defensive demands within the side.
Mac Allister points to change under Iraola
The Argentina international accepted that his own performances had fallen short during the previous season and said the wider group had not been functioning as it should.
“Last season was very hard for everyone,” Mac Allister said. “I know I was not playing at my best, and I have no issue admitting that. There was something wrong in the group, and the manager has changed that. It matters a lot.”
Mac Allister said Iraola’s approach differs significantly from the system used under Slot, although he was reluctant to frame it as a direct comparison.
- Liverpool now defend with a more individual, man-to-man focus, rather than the predominantly zonal structure used last term.
- Mac Allister said the new system requires players to track opponents closely, reducing the need for constant communication.
- He added that zonal defending can still work, citing Argentina’s use of it at international level, but said Liverpool’s current method suits the team.
- The midfielder described the approach as one demanding less thought but greater running, with each player expected to take responsibility for his assignment.
“I feel good, which is what I want,” he said. “Now it is more one against one. You have to follow your player. Last year was more zonal. Both can work, but this is working for us. Football is moving towards needing to run more.”
Liverpool recover from early setback
- Villarreal scored twice early in the match to put Liverpool under immediate pressure.
- Mac Allister brought Liverpool back into contention with a header, arriving in the area to attack the near-post space.
- Ronald Araújo then levelled the score.
- Rio Ngumoha created Mac Allister’s second goal as Liverpool completed their comeback.
- Florian Wirtz added a fourth for the home side.
- Tani Oluwaseyi scored late for Villarreal, but Liverpool held on for a 4-3 win.
Mac Allister played down the surprise of his headed goal, despite describing himself as far from tall. He said coaches are aware of his preference for making near-post runs, adding that he scored from a similar position at the World Cup.
He also noted that his father, who is around the same height or slightly shorter, was strong in the air.
Ngumoha praised after key contribution
Mac Allister reserved particular praise for Ngumoha, whose involvement in the second Liverpool goal helped shift the game after the interval.
“Rio was outstanding and made a real difference,” Mac Allister said. “People often only mention the players who score, but he was hugely important. You can see his quality straight away, and he also worked hard without the ball.”
The midfielder said he has regularly encouraged Ngumoha to deliver low crosses, and highlighted the youngster’s contribution to his second goal as another important moment in Liverpool’s recovery.
