Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister talks about the struggle of jetlag before Manchester City clash
In the aftermath of Liverpool FC’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester City, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister provided insights into the challenges of early kick-offs, especially following international breaks.
The Reds showcased resilience as they came from behind to secure a valuable point against the reigning champions.
For Liverpool, this marked the third occasion this season where they played in the early 12:30 pm slot immediately after an international break. This scheduling quirk has become a notable trend during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, with the Reds featuring in such fixtures more frequently than any other club.
Mac Allister, among the four Liverpool players engaged in World Cup qualifiers in South America, shed light on the difficulties posed by the quick turnaround. Here is what he had to say via ECHO:
“Honestly, it is so hard to play like this,”
“Yesterday (Friday) we were in a meeting talking about Man City and the way we wanted to play, and I couldn’t keep my eyes open.”
Having participated in the early hours of Wednesday morning UK time in a high-stakes international match against Brazil, the Argentine midfielder faced the challenge of adapting to the intensity of Liverpool’s preparation for the crucial clash against Manchester City.
The statement underscores the physical and mental toll that early kick-offs, especially after international duty, can take on players. The demanding schedule and the need for focused tactical discussions present a unique set of challenges for professionals who navigate domestic and international commitments.
Compared to Liverpool’s three, Man City had only one player in the South American World Cup Qualifiers among those who started. Alisson Becker, Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez started for the Reds while Julian Alvarez turned up for Pep Guardiola.
Liverpool’s ability to secure a draw against a formidable opponent like Manchester City despite these challenges speaks volumes about the team’s resilience and adaptability.
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As the season progresses, Klopp’s squad will likely continue to navigate such scheduling intricacies, and the experiences shared by players like Mac Allister provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges that shape their performances on the pitch.
