‘It’s working well’, says Liverpool coach McAllister

Gary McAllister: Leaving Anfield

Gary McAllister: Leaving Anfield

Gary McAllister stood in for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers at Tuesday’s press conference and claimed the coaching synergy at Anfield “is working well”.

Former Reds midfielder McAllister and new assistant manager Sean O’Driscoll were brought in by Rodgers in the summer as the Northern Irishman shook up his backroom team with the departures of Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh.

And McAllister, who took on the media responsibilities ahead of Wednesday’s cup date with Carlisle, has revealed he is enjoying life back at Anfield and says the bond between the coaching staff is developing, despite Liverpool’s poor start which has seen them pick up eight points from a possible 18.

“We are getting to know each other. Day by day it is getting better, the dynamic is getting closer. When the heat is on you tend to come even closer. As far as I can see it is working well and I am enjoying it,” said McAllister.

The Reds host Carlisle in the Capital One Cup and McAllister says its an ideal opportunity to build some momentum so changes will be left to a minimum as Liverpool take the competition seriously, despite Rodgers sitting out the press call.

“We need to give the fans something to shout about. It is ideal to get a little run going.

“But we are thoroughly aware it is not going to be easy. They are not going to come here and roll over.

“You have got to utilise the players you have got but we have got to get some momentum going as well. We want some stability in the shape and style so it will be similar to the weekend,” said McAllister.

Christian Benteke will miss the game with a hamstring injury but fellow new signing Danny Ings could get a chance up front after scoring off the bench in Sunday’s draw against Norwich.

McAllister said: “It was really refreshing to see his performance. If anyone deserved a goal it was Danny. He has been working his socks off. It is not by fluke, it is by pure hard work that he managed to get that chance and finish it so well.

The 50-year-old, who had a two-year spell at Liverpool from 2000 to 2002 , also accepted that there is “always pressure” when you play for the Reds.

“There is always pressure when results don’t go well at a club like Liverpool. It has not changed since the days I played here.

“A couple of poor results and the heat is on, you are under the microscope. Players have got to thrive under that pressure. That is the thing that drives you. You have got to grow and cope with the demands of playing here,” he added.