Andoni Iraola / Liverpool FCAlexis Mac Allister has backed Andoni Iraola despite Liverpool’s winless start to the Premier League season, praising the new manager’s personality and the effort being made by the squad to adapt to his tactical ideas.Liverpool were held to a second consecutive 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, leaving Iraola still searching for his first Premier League victory in charge.
ADVERTISEMENTDespite the disappointing results, Mac Allister says the players have responded positively to Iraola’s methods and are working hard to understand his philosophy.“Really good, very good. We all genuinely enjoy working together, and everyone puts in extreme effort in daily training to quickly grasp and perfectly execute his tactical ideas and concepts.He’s a very approachable and friendly person, and all the coaching staff are extremely professional and excellent too. So yes, we’re hungry for wins and results, and we give our best every day.
As for his personal character and personality, he’s truly outstanding, and everyone respects him.”Mac Allister’s comments come at a time when Liverpool are still attempting to adjust to Iraola’s demands.The Spaniard wants his team to play with greater intensity and aggression, but Liverpool struggled to implement those instructions during the first half against Forest before producing a much-improved second-half performance.
ADVERTISEMENTIraola himself admitted that the team was “poor in the first half” but praised the increased intensity after the break.Mac Allister believes the squad’s willingness to work is one of the reasons he remains optimistic about the direction of the team.“We remain positive and optimistic because we can see we’re doing some things very well on the pitch. In terms of implementing the manager’s tactical ideas, we’re definitely moving in the right direction, but in terms of current points and performances, that’s nowhere near enough.
”The midfielder also stressed that Liverpool’s players must take responsibility for fixing the problems appearing on the pitch.“The key is to hold proper team meetings, discuss these tactical issues openly and honestly, and work together to solve them in future training sessions.”
