# Alexis Mac Allister: Liverpool’s International Break Comeback
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was brought off at half-time in the Reds’ 3-1 comeback against Wolves, a game which he arguably should not have started. After a flight to Argentina to take on Ecuador and then an away clash with Bolivia, Mac Allister was straight back into the side on Saturday, despite barely having trained in the buildup after a late return from South America, where he required breathing apparatus to manage the high altitude in Bolivia.
## A Sluggish Display
It was no surprise that Mac Allister turned in a sluggish display which, sitting as No. 6, was costly as Liverpool were overrun in the first half at Molineux. Mac Allister had already been booked for a lazy pull on Matheus Cunha when he went in for half-time, with the Reds 1-0 down through Hwang Hee-chan’s strike.
## Jurgen Klopp Makes Necessary Change
And as hoped, Jurgen Klopp made the necessary change in replacing the Argentine with Luis Diaz, and Liverpool went on to fight back for a 3-1 victory. “It’s never easy but extremely important to win after the international break,” Mac Allister wrote on Instagram after the game. “Nice to be back.”
## The Rigours of the International Break
The rigours of the international break were only made worse by the scheduling of a 12.30pm kickoff on the Reds’ return. It meant a particularly tight turnaround, with Mac Allister and his fellow South Americans not involved in team training on Thursday, meaning time for only one session before the journey to Wolverhampton.
## Klopp Admits Mistake in Selection
Even before kickoff, Klopp admitted that he would “need them as substitutes,” despite having named his No. 10 as part of the starting lineup. Afterwards, the manager said Mac Allister was “rather relieved” to have been brought off, with it clear he accepted his mistake in selection.
## Endo’s Presence on the Bench
The decision was confusing given Wataru Endo’s presence on the bench – the Japanese midfielder having travelled to Germany and Belgium in the international break – but Klopp is yet to show trust in his £16 million signing. Fortunately the error was not too costly, and Liverpool had the fortitude to battle back and take three points on the road.
## Conclusion
Alexis Mac Allister’s return from international duty was met with a start against Wolves, but his lack of training in the buildup was evident in his sluggish display. Jurgen Klopp made the necessary change at half-time, replacing Mac Allister with Luis Diaz and allowing Liverpool to fight back and take three points on the road. Despite confusion over why Endo was not given a chance, Klopp’s decision was ultimately vindicated and Liverpool can now look forward to their next game.