In a candid and sobering assessment, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has publicly conceded that his team's chances of retaining the Premier League crown are virtually non-existent. The Argentine international pointed to the significant gap in both performance and points to leaders Arsenal and challengers Manchester City as the primary reasons for his pessimistic outlook.
A Frank Admission of Reality
Speaking to Sky Sports on January 4, 2026, Mac Allister did not mince his words about Liverpool's faltering campaign. "There are not many chances of Liverpool retaining the title. I hate to say it, but it is quite clear," the World Cup winner stated. He elaborated that while Arsenal is in a really good moment and Manchester City is quite close, the Reds are simply not operating at the same level. "We are not close in terms of performances or results, so I do not see us becoming champions again," he added, expressing his personal disappointment at not being able to enjoy their title-winning status from the previous season.
The Stark Numbers Behind the Struggle
Mac Allister's comments are backed by the harsh reality of the Premier League table. After 19 games in the 2025-26 season, the defending champions find themselves in a distant fourth place with 33 points. This puts them a staggering 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal, who have 48 points. Aston Villa (42 points) and Manchester City (41 points) occupy the second and third spots respectively, further highlighting the chasm Liverpool must bridge. Manager Arne Slot had earlier aligned with this view, acknowledging that only Arsenal and City are realistically in the title race at this juncture.
Shifting Focus to Cup Competitions
Despite writing off their league ambitions, Mac Allister emphasised that the season is far from a write-off. The midfielder outlined clear targets in knockout tournaments, vowing that the squad will redirect its energy and fight for other major honours. "The Champions League is there and we will definitely fight for that one because it would be a very nice one. And the FA Cup, which is a really important cup for English teams," he asserted.
He reaffirmed the club's never-say-die ethos, stating, "When you play for Liverpool, you always have to fight for everything." This indicates a determined shift in focus for Jurgen Klopp's squad as they aim to salvage a difficult season with silverware from alternative avenues. The admission from a key player like Mac Allister sets the stage for a crucial second half of the season where domestic cup and European success become the paramount objectives at Anfield.
