Alexis Mac Allister makes Liverpool admission ahead of World Cup semi-final vs England
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesAlexis Mac AllisterAlexis Mac Allister has been speaking ahead of Argentina's World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday, with the Liverpool midfielder admitting it has been a "long" seasonMac Alliister admitted it had been a long season at Liverpool(Image: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Alexis Mac Allister admitted it has been a "long" season at Liverpool this year ahead of Argentina's World Cup semi-final clash with England on Wednesday.Speaking following Argentina's victory over Switzerland, the Liverpool midfielder discussed his thoughts ahead of the huge upcoming fixture. The 27-year-old Argentine international said "it's been a long season" at Liverpool, confessing that has had an impact on World Cup preparations."It's been a long season at the club.
There are only a few days between matches, and now it's time to rest," he said, via Direct TV Sports.Reflecting on Argentina's journey through the tournament thus far, Mac Allister added: "It's clear we're getting something different, and that comes from the support of the fans, who are really making their presence felt."Nevertheless, concerns have emerged ahead of the semi-final following the challenging encounter with Switzerland, with the former Albion midfielder conceding the squad "have things to correct - it clearly wasn't our best game".Saturday's match was clouded by controversy, with Switzerland left incensed after striker Breel Embolo received his marching orders in the 72nd minute following a VAR review that deemed him guilty of simulation.Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute(Image: Daniela Porcelli, Getty Images)The official had originally cautioned Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes before an extensive VAR review determined that Embolo had not been fouled.Having already been booked earlier in the contest, the Swiss forward's second yellow card resulted in his dismissal, forcing Switzerland to see out the remainder of the fixture with just 10 men.Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin was incensed by the decision to send Embolo off, branding it "unacceptable" and insisting "there was definitely no reason to award a yellow card".Argentina won against Switzerland on Saturday(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)"We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. It's a rule that has nothing to do with football."Yakin revealed the striker was devastated by the ruling, with Embolo breaking down in tears following the red card as his team-mates offered their consolation as he trudged off the pitch."He was fouled many times and he had a few very good moments in this game, but then he couldn't help the team anymore," Yakin said."I don't blame him.
Obviously he is shattered because he could not help the team. It was a refereeing mistake."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAlexis Mac AllisterArgentina football teamFIFA World Cup