'Spoke brilliantly' but Liverpool fans torn on Mac Allister contract comments

· BBC-Football

Alexis Mac Allister splits opinion on his public comments regarding his contract at Liverpool, as fans and BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin share opinions.

> "He's just shown us that is the case and if you are asked the question you answer it honestly. He is saying he's seen his mates getting these contracts which might be disappointing, but he's saying all the correct things I think.

> "I take nothing away from that, I applaud him for all that.

> "Things can change very quickly. It didn't look like Cody Gakpo would leave very recently and then suddenly he's knocking.

> "If he is asking for far too much money and putting that pressure on it then he is playing a very good game because to speak the way he did there didn't sound like that. It sounded like somebody who just wanted a contract offered."

'It's easy to focus on the negatives'

BBC Radio Merseyside also discussed the situation with Liverpool fan, Joel Richards, who called Mac Allister's comments a "clever tactic".

"Mac Allister's at an age now, 27, where his next contract is going to be the biggest one of his career," Richards said.

> "He is someone who will be looking to be remunerated properly after seeing his team-mates getting bumper pay rises so, of course he's going to put it out there that he came very close to leaving in the summer.

> "I'd say it's a clever tactic but how many times have we been here with footballers when they get a microphone put in front of them? If it wasn't going to happen here before a Champions League game, it would have happened with Argentina on international duty.

> "Objectively speaking, if you're going to canvas the opinions of a decent size of Liverpool fans from last season, asked them what you thought on Mac Allister and whether he was deserving of a new deal, I think a large majority of that sample size would say 'no' simply because of the performances that he put in.

> "However, it's easy to focus on the negatives of last season whereas, his first two seasons at Liverpool he was an important player for us."

'Self-indulgent' and 'childish'

Liverpool's communications department have dealt with tricky player-led controversies in recent times.

Salah told media he had been "thrown under the bus" during a stand-off with former boss Arne Slot last season, Dominik Szoboszlai had to clear up a move to shrug his shoulders at fans after defeat at Manchester City and now Mac Allister has made contract frustration public.

Some fans think the World Cup winner could have held back.

Writing in to BBC Sport, supporter Rob said Mac Allister "should do his talking on the pitch, not off it", while fan Patricio said the move was "childish" and that the midfielder should "earn" an extension.

BBC Sport reader David wrote: "Very poor from Mac Allister on so many levels. He still has two years remaining on his existing contract, had a very poor season so is not in a position to renegotiate terms unlike other players he referred to, and no doubt he is fully aware there will be a time to negotiate a new contract later in the season if his form improves."

And fan Stuart added: "Self-indulgent and not in any way helpful. Alexis was there to represent the club ahead of a huge match and first major Anfield occasion for Iraola, not to air his contract grievance. You're not bigger than the club even if you are a World Cup winner."

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