On September 8 (CEST), Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola and Mac Allister attended the pre-match press conference ahead of the home Champions League fixture against Atlético Madrid. After Mac Allister answered reporters' questions, head coach Iraola took the stage to address the media. Below is the full press conference:

What do you think of Richard Hughes' departure?

"When the news broke over the weekend, I wasn't surprised. The people involved know what needs to be done, and I wish him all the best. The club is still working with those who were involved in decision-making this summer and is also in communication with Mike Gordon. Now the club needs to take the next step and determine its future direction and strategy. Many people involved in day-to-day decision-making remain with us. But there is no doubt that I can only speak highly of Richard Hughes and wish him all the best."

What is Mac Allister's current situation?

"Each of us has our own responsibilities, and we are all under contract with the club. Although we haven't been working together for long, he is very important to the team, has played many minutes, and has consistently maintained a high level. Regarding the contract situation, we still have time to discuss it."

Talk about Simeone

"He has done an outstanding job as a head coach, which is remarkable and undoubtedly a huge challenge for us. I played against him as a player, and later coached against his team. He has far more experience than me in this type of match, but I hope we can give him enough trouble tomorrow and put on a great performance."

Talk about Kerkez again

"He performed very well in Friday's match. I know him well and I know what he is capable of achieving. He is still very young with great potential ahead of him, and he has accumulated considerable experience in the Premier League and with the national team. Like other players, he still has many areas to improve; otherwise it will be difficult for him to make further progress. I am committed to helping him become a better player. He is currently heading in the right direction."

How do you feel about coaching in the Champions League at Anfield?

"When you start your coaching career, this is one of the dreams. When I began, I dreamed of being in this position one day, so I hope I can savour this moment."

"The key is to have the team ready and go into the match in a state where they can perform at their best. Last Friday, after two consecutive draws, we felt disappointed and really needed a win. I saw some positive performances; the team started with strength and higher intensity."

Have you discussed a contract extension with Mac?

"No. I will do my best to help every one of my players improve and thereby help the team win matches. The same applies to Mac, and the same applies to other players. I am very pleased with Mac Allister and his performance, especially on Friday. I hope to help him continue improving. He is an excellent player."

This is also your first Champions League match as a coach. What are your thoughts?

"This time we will face one of Europe's strongest opponents. However, we also play against many excellent teams in the Premier League. I know Atlético Madrid quite well and am familiar with some of their players."

"My first Champions League match as a coach coming in such an important fixture is very exciting. It will show us where we currently stand. We showed some positive signs in Friday's match, but let's see what level we reach against Atlético Madrid."

With three matches in a week coming up soon, is that a huge challenge for you and the team?

"This will be a challenge throughout the season, and I hope we face such challenges regularly, because it means we are still competing in multiple competitions. This week's situation isn't too bad, because we didn't play until Friday, but next week will be more demanding. I must adapt to this schedule, and when selecting the lineup for the next match, I will certainly consider the increased fixture list and the players' current physical condition."

"As for whether I plan to rotate, I won't tell you! My players don't even know the starting lineup yet, so of course I won't reveal that to you. However, I must take into account the increased fixture congestion and the players' current physical condition."

What about Barcola?

"He is ready to play more minutes. He has been training normally; the only issue is that he didn't participate in pre-season. But he is in very good condition now."

Will Liverpool's intensity be affected by the congested schedule?

"We must maintain as high an intensity as possible, because that style of play suits us better. I don't want my players thinking about future matches or counting how many are left."

"We want to get used to playing at a higher tempo, and the only way to do that is to constantly push ourselves and keep moving forward."

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