Alexis Mac Allister has admitted he was below his best last season but believes Andoni Iraola has helped change the mood and direction at Liverpool.
The midfielder was candid about his own performances during the last campaign after Tuesday’s comeback win over Villarreal, in which he scored twice, saying he knew his level had dropped during a difficult year.
“Last year was a really difficult year for all of us,” Mac Allister said.
“It was clear that I was not at the level. I am the first one to say [that], I have no problem.
“Something wasn’t right in the group. This manager changed it, and that’s really important.”
Mac Allister also highlighted the difference in Liverpool’s approach under Iraola.
“The way we play it is quite different,” he said.
“I don’t like to compare. I’m feeling good right now, that’s what I want, and that’s what I enjoy.
“From the first day we started working together, I saw something really important,” he said.
“I think we are going in the right direction but if you look at the game today, it was far from perfect so we need to work, keep giving everything.
“It’s a really important year for us so hopefully we can win some trophies.”
The Argentina international also addressed his future, with no new deal yet offered by the club with the 27-year-old out of contract in 2028.
“When I said what I said, it was more about my emotion and my feelings,” he said, when asked about his previous comments about being “sad” that a new deal had not been discussed.
“That’s their decision and that’s completely fine to me.
“I do what I always do, give my best in training, here in the games, and in the end we’ll see what happens.”