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Arne Slot to Blame for Poor Alexis Mac Allister Form and Fitness
New revelation paints Slot as the person to blame for Mac Allister's poor form and fitness. A scathing analysis from Live4Liverpool exposes how Liverpool manager Arne Slot's tactical decisions and training regime have directly contributed to Alexis Mac Allister's alarming dip in performance during the early 2025/26 Premier League season. Despite Mac Allister's stellar World Cup-winning pedigree and standout contributions to last season's title win, the Argentine midfielder has struggled with fitness issues, reduced pressing intensity, and lackluster output in key areas[1][2].
Slot's Tactical Mismatches Exposed
The article argues that Slot's high-pressing system overburdened Mac Allister, deploying him in deeper roles without adequate rotation or recovery periods. Sources close to the club reveal that initial fitness levels under Slot were "not as effective," leading to fatigue and diminished aggression in both penalty areas—what the manager himself later identified as a critical weakness[3]. Mac Allister's stats plummeted: fewer interceptions, reduced duels won, and zero goal contributions in the opening months, contrasting sharply with his prior dynamism[1].
Fitness Regime Under Fire
Critics pinpoint Slot's intense pre-season regimen as the culprit, prioritizing endurance over recovery, which left Mac Allister "running on fumes." Team insiders claim a lack of tailored conditioning for midfielders exacerbated this, with Liverpool's overall pressing described as "absent the punch" until mid-season adjustments[1][3]. Slot's reluctance to bench the star amid a transitional phase post-title win amplified the problem, stalling Liverpool's title defense and dropping them to sixth place[1].
Recent Revival Masks Deeper Issues
While Mac Allister has surged back—crediting a pivotal team meeting where Slot urged improvement "in both boxes," boosting goals and chemistry—the piece warns this is too little, too late[1][2]. Slot attributes the turnaround to "a combination of factors" like better fitness and team synergy, but detractors insist his early mismanagement caused unnecessary struggles[2]. Liverpool gears up for Manchester City, but questions linger: Can Slot sustain Mac Allister's form without repeating past errors?[1]
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