By Steven Northover
Liverpool return to Champions League action tonorrow, with Andoni Iraola, accompanied by Alexis Mac Allister, took questions as he waits to make his bow in the world’s premier Club competion.
The Spanish manager looked calm and relaxed as he took questions, and inevitably questions focused on whether Bradley Barcola would be starting against Madrid.
Barcola was ready for minutes and trained ‘normally’ since Friday, whilst a ‘busy’ September - with Liverpool playing every three days - and whilst Iraola stated that he planned to rotate his team throughout, he also stated that selecting aone up would not be the ‘most difficult scenario of the season’.
Elsewhere, he also praised Merlos Kerkez performances this season, particularly against Ipswich Town, stating:
"He still has big potential. He has a good amount of experience in the Premier League and with the international team. I trust him. He has a lot to improve, like all the players, otherwise there is no bigger ceiling. I am ready to try to help him become a better player.”
However, the majority story from the conference came from midfielder Mac Allister.
Having endured difficult season last term, the 27-year-old Argentine, who is in the last year of his contract, has yet to be offered an extension.
"They were with my agent. I don't want to say things they never said, but they said they were not in the position to renew me," added the Argentina international.
"I see Dominik [Szoboszlai] and Ryan [Gravenberch renewing their contracts and that makes me very happy because they deserve it.
"At the same time, it makes me a little bit sad that I didn't get mine. Of course, there is still time.”
Meanwhile, Iraola admitted that he was not spoken to Mac Allister about extending his contract, stating that the club wasn't ‘in the right place’ to do so, yet.
Whatever happens, its likely that any outcome appears months away, and the Argentine remains focused on his role at the club.
"The fans don't need to worry because I will give 100% until the last day I am here. We will see what happens.
"There were options to leave this summer. Right now, I'm at the right club.”
In terms of injuries, there are no new updates - Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley remain a long way from training, whilst Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni will be back by the end of this month.
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