Press conferenceAlexis Mac Allister on Nunez connection, trophy aims and Sparta challenge

Nunez has delivered 14 goals and 11 assists so far this season for Jürgen Klopp’s side, who are continuing to compete on three fronts after lifting the Carabao Cup.

Away from the pitch, he and Mac Allister have struck up a good friendship, and that was in evidence on the field during the 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend, with the Argentina international setting up Nunez’s 99th-minute winner.

Speaking ahead of the Reds’ Europa League last-16, first-leg clash with Sparta Prague tomorrow night, Mac Allister told reporters: “My relationship with Darwin is very good, of course. I think since the first time we met you could see the connection between us off the pitch.

“Then, on the pitch, of course we try to be connected. When I play as a No.8 of course, that connection has to be important.

“He is an amazing guy, he is doing very well and he works very hard. That is why I am very happy for him.

“Sometimes I hear people say I help him a lot but that is not true! His level is because he trains very well, he works very hard and that’s why he is scoring goals and why he is important for this team.”

Mac Allister’s assist for Nunez at Forest saw the midfielder stay calm and deliver a perfect cross for the Liverpool No.9 to head into the bottom corner and secure three points.

Asked how he manages to keep his composure in such vital situations, he said: “I don’t know, I just play football and that’s what I like.

“I have played football for a long time even though I am still young. I think the experience helps, definitely, and for me it is important to think on the pitch. You have to see where your teammates are and once you have the ball you have to try to make the best decision you can. That’s what I try.

“I don’t know if I look calm or not, but I can tell you my brain is at 200 per cent!”

Mac Allister arrived at the Reds from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer having landed the biggest prize in football only a few months earlier, winning the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar in December 2022.

Since then, he has added to his medal collection by winning the Carabao Cup with Klopp’s men at Wembley last month, and naturally he is already targeting more trophies.

“The last couple of years have been crazy for me and tough at the same time,” he said. “I went through difficult times and even in those times I really believed in myself and that was very important, and to have my family around as well.

“Yes, of course, I won a World Cup and that is not easy and something I feel very proud of. Now I am living my life in a club like Liverpool, it is amazing.

“Every player and every person has to go through good and bad moments. Now I am at a time where I am really enjoying my life, so I am very, very happy with my career so far and I am enjoying it.”

Mac Allister was part of a 23-man travelling squad – boosted by the return of Mohamed Salah – that touched down in Czechia this afternoon ahead of the clash with Sparta.

And he anticipates the reigning Czech champions and current league leaders will pose a stern test in Thursday’s 5.45pm GMT kick-off.

“We expect a very tough game,” Mac Allister said. “We know that they are unbeaten at home, top of the league, and that tells you that they are a very good team.

“Of course we have seen some videos and we know what they do, but we need to focus on ourselves. If we focus on ourselves we have the chance to win this game and that’s what we want.

“But they are definitely a very good team and it’ll be a great battle.”