Alexis Mac Allister drops Liverpool contract bombshell – “I’m very sad” | OneFootball

Alexis Mac Allister reveals Liverpool contract uncertainty ahead of Atletico Madrid clash

Liverpool’s Champions League campaign begins at Anfield on Wednesday, with Atletico Madrid providing an immediate test for Andoni Iraola and a squad still adjusting to life under their new head coach.

Iraola arrives at his first European fixture with some momentum. Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Friday ended a run of two successive 2-2 draws, with Alexander Isak scoring twice and Cody Gakpo supplying both assists. It was the sort of result that gives a new manager some breathing room, although Atletico Madrid will represent a very different proposition.

Mac Allister opens up on Liverpool future

Alexis Mac Allister was the first Liverpool player to face the media at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, and inevitably, his future was one of the main talking points.

The Argentina international confirmed there had been a genuine possibility of leaving Liverpool during the summer, following uncertainty over a new contract.

“There was a chance, of course,” Mac Allister said. “I received the news that the club wasn’t in a position to offer me a new contract, which made me sad.”

That admission is significant. Mac Allister has established himself as an important figure at Liverpool since arriving at Anfield, so the prospect of his departure would have represented a sizeable change in midfield.

Yet, for all the uncertainty, his immediate message to supporters was reassuring.

“The fans don’t need to worry. I will give 100% until the last day I’m here. We will see what happens.”

He added: “There were options to leave this summer… but right now I feel I’m in the right club”.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool midfielder stays despite transfer interest

Mac Allister ultimately remained at Liverpool despite considerable speculation over his future. Real Madrid and Manchester City were both linked with the midfielder at various points during the transfer window, ensuring that questions over his long-term position at Anfield were never far away.

No transfer materialised, and the World Cup winner has since returned to Liverpool’s plans.

That leaves Iraola with a player whose importance could become particularly apparent against Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side are likely to provide a more tactically demanding examination than Liverpool faced at the weekend, with midfield control potentially proving decisive.

For Mac Allister, the occasion offers an opportunity to move the conversation back towards football.

Atletico Madrid provide immediate Champions League test

Liverpool will expect intensity from Iraola’s side, but Atletico Madrid will bring their own demands. Simeone’s teams have built a reputation for organisation, competitiveness and an ability to make opponents work for every opening.

For Liverpool, Wednesday’s match therefore carries significance beyond the result. It is Iraola’s first Champions League fixture in charge, his first European night at Anfield as Liverpool head coach, and an early indication of how his approach translates against elite opposition.

Mac Allister now looks set to start, with his future temporarily settled by circumstance rather than a new contract.

For Liverpool, that is probably enough for now. There will be plenty of time to revisit the bigger question. First comes Atletico Madrid.