Alexis Mac Allister has delivered a brutally honest assessment of Liverpool’s troubled title defence, admitting the Reds made too many changes too quickly following their big-spending summer. The Argentine midfielder believes that the overhaul has played a major role in the club’s disappointing start to the season and concedes that retaining the Premier League crown is now highly unlikely.
Despite still believing silverware is achievable in cup competitions, Mac Allister did not shy away from the reality of Liverpool’s struggles under Arne Slot.
Reds rocked after disastrous title defence begins
Liverpool entered the campaign as defending Premier League champions but has failed to build on last season’s success following a dramatic squad revamp. The club invested heavily in the transfer market, spending an estimated £446 million to bring in seven first-team players in an attempt to refresh and strengthen the squad.
High-profile signings such as Alexander Isak (£125m from Newcastle United) and Florian Wirtz (£116m from Bayer Leverkusen) were expected to elevate Liverpool to another level. Instead, the transition has been far from smooth.
Slot has struggled to quickly mould the new arrivals into a cohesive unit, with performances often disjointed and defensive frailties repeatedly exposed. Liverpool have also laboured in front of goal, with Wirtz scoring just once since his arrival and Isak registering only three goals in 16 appearances.
The situation has been further complicated by injuries to key players, dips in form from established figures, and the devastating emotional blow of Diogo Jota’s tragic death during pre-season, which has cast a shadow over the campaign.
Mac Allister delivers a frank verdict
Speaking to Sky Sports, Mac Allister admitted the scale of change has been a major obstacle to progress.
“Many things changed as I said, new players came in to replace those who left, we changed too many things, but I prefer to keep it to myself,” he said.
The World Cup winner then delivered a sobering assessment of Liverpool’s title prospects.
“There are not many chances of Liverpool retaining the title. I hate to say it, but it is quite clear. Arsenal is in a really good moment, Manchester City is quite close, but we are not close in terms of performances or results.
“It hurts because this should be a moment when we are enjoying the Premier League which we won, and we should be in a much better place than we are.”
Cup competitions are now the focus
While league ambitions have faded, Mac Allister insists Liverpool must now channel their energy into the cup competitions still within reach.
“It is quite clear we have amazing players, it is just about becoming a team. That is what we need,” he explained.
“Without the team I am nothing. We all need to get better, think about the guy next to us and become a better team – that will raise our level.”
The midfielder highlighted the Champions League and FA Cup as realistic targets:
“The Champions League is there and we will definitely fight for that one. The FA Cup is also really important. When you play for Liverpool, you always have to fight for everything.”
Tough tests ahead for Slot’s side
Liverpool face a daunting run of fixtures that could define the remainder of their campaign. It begins with a tricky away trip to Fulham on Sunday, a fixture that has produced 20 goals across the last four league meetings.
That clash is followed by a huge showdown away to league leaders Arsenal, before attention turns to the FA Cup and a home tie against Barnsley on Monday, January 12.
With pressure mounting and confidence fragile, the coming weeks may determine whether Liverpool can salvage success from a season that promised so much but has delivered very little so far.