Liverpool made it three successive victories for the first time this season with a dramatic 4-3 comeback win over Villarreal in the Champions League. Tuesday's result continued an encouraging run for Andoni Iraola's side as things take a turn for the better at Anfield.
Attention now turns to Sunday's Premier League meeting at home to an impressive Brighton outfit. The Reds head into the weekend in fifth place, with a home victory potentially lifting them to fourth.
As Iraola's ideas begin to take shape, players who previously struggled are showing signs of improvement. The ECHO rounds up the latest Liverpool headlines ahead of the Brighton clash, with transfer speculation and the squad's progress under the manager in focus.
Mac Allister compares Slot and Iraola
Alexis Mac Allister has fired a thinly veiled jibe at Arne Slot after being won over by the strides made under his successor. Despite some early teething problems, Liverpool are beginning to resemble their former selves with a string of high-scoring performances of late.
Tuesday's 4-3 victory over Villarreal, in which Mac Allister netted twice, was the latest indication of the attacking potential within Iraola's squad. And at the very least, the midfielder is satisfied with the personal progression he has been able to achieve under the new boss.
"Last year was a really difficult year for all of us," he told Amazon Prime Video on Tuesday. "It was clear that I was not at the level. I am the first one to say, I have no problem."
"Something wasn't right in the group. This manager changed it, and that's really important. The way we play is quite different. I don't like to compare."
"I feel good, that's what I want and that's what I enjoy. Now it's more man to man. You have to communicate less because you have to follow [the opponent]."
"Last year it was more of a zonal thing. With the national team we do more of a zonal thing and it works. Now we do a one-v-one and it works."
"In the end, it's about us taking the responsibility. That's one of the changes, but now it's much easier. You have to think less but run more, maybe. That's the way football is going."
Iraola discusses Mora speculation
Iraola has broken his silence on Liverpool's reported pursuit of Tijuana and Mexico playmaker Gilberto Mora. The Reds have been strongly linked with a move for the young No. 10, who became eligible to move to Europe after recently turning 18.
Mora, who became the youngest player to represent Mexico at a World Cup this summer, remains under contract with Tijuana until 2029. Speculation has suggested Liverpool have already lodged a bid in excess of £38million to make him Liga MX's most expensive export.
"Let's see, not only because of what he's doing," Iraola told TNT Sports Mexico on Tuesday when asked about the links as he refused to rule out an approach. "There are times when you ask me about players, but I can't talk about players who aren't ours, right? In the end, there's respect."
"And there has to be respect between clubs and well, if you'll allow me, I don't have my opinion, obviously, but I prefer not to comment, not about players who aren't from Liverpool."
Mora still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his deal with Tijuana. Nevertheless, it's broadly anticipated the Mexican club will have little option but to succumb to the allure of Europe's top sides should they come knocking for the player in 2027.
