Mac Allister: We'll see what happens regarding my contract renewal, and the match wasn't easy

Argentinian star Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool's midfielder, appeared in press statements following the match against Villarreal in the third round of the UEFA Champions League, which ended with a 4-3 victory for the Reds.

Alexis Mac Allister, speaking to Amazon Prime, said: "It wasn't an easy match. Look at Ryo, he was fantastic tonight and made the difference. He was very important, and I'm happy for him. Everyone knows the quality he has, and it's easy to say he's a very good player, but he needs to focus on other things as well. He has worked very hard without the ball."

The Argentine midfielder spoke about the tactical changes made by the team during the match, explaining: "After about 35 minutes of the first half, we made some changes. I dropped back to midfield to retain the ball more, as we weren't playing well. In the second half, we scored goals, which is important; the idea was to play more on the right side and open up spaces, and we executed that well, but we weren't controlling the match. After that, the coach made his substitutions, and our performance improved."

Speaking about his goals, he said: "I am not tall, but I love getting into the box. I know they know I like to move towards the near post. I scored a goal that way in the FIFA World Cup as well, and it was a good header."

He praised his teammate Ngomuoha, adding: "For the second goal, Rio was brilliant. I always talk to him about playing the ball back on the ground." He also noted that his ability to score with his head may be inherited from his father, whom he described as being good in the air despite his short stature.

Alexis Mac Allister touched on the changes that have occurred at Liverpool compared to last season, saying: "Last year was very difficult for all of us, and it was clear that I was not at my level, and I am the first to admit that. There was something not right within the group, but this coach has changed things. Our style of play is different, and I don't like to compare, but I feel good."

He explained the tactical difference between last season and this one, saying: "We now rely more on man-to-man marking, which requires less communication between players. Last season, it was more about zonal marking. I like both styles, and we play zonal marking with the national team and things work out. It's about taking responsibility, and that's one of the changes. Now it's easier in terms of thinking, but you need to run more."

Regarding his future and contract situation, the Liverpool player explained: "When I said what I said earlier, I was speaking more about my feelings. The decision is up to them, and that is acceptable. I will do my best, and in the end, we will see what happens."

In his remarks about his coach Andoni Iraola, he said: "From day one, I started to see something special. He is a good person, as are the members of the coaching staff. We are heading in the right direction, but we need to work and give our all. I hope we can win some titles."