Alexis Mac Allister has said that Andoni Iraola fixed the issues within the Liverpool group left behind by his predecessor Arne Slot.
Slot won the Premier League in his first season in the Anfield dugout but Liverpool slumped to a fifth-place finish last campaign. The Dutchman was replaced by Iraola who oversaw a 4-3 Champions League win against Villareal on Tuesday night.
Mac Allister scored twice against Villareal before revealing the key changes Iraola has made since his arrival.
"Last year was a really difficult year for all of us," he told Amazon Prime. "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 vs. 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."
Liverpool fell behind to two early goals against Villareal but Mac Allister's header reduced the deficit.
"I am not tall! But I love going into the box," he said. "Coaches know that I like to attack the near post. I scored in the World Cup, as well. That's the place that I like to [get to].
"My dad is the same height, maybe a bit smaller, and he was good in the air as well."
After an equaliser from Ronald Araújo, Mac Allister's second goal was set up by Rio Ngumoha, who shone for Liverpool.
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"Rio was amazing, he made the difference," Mac Allister said. "Sometimes you speak about players who score goals but he was really important.
"It is clear, the quality that he has. Everyone knows. It's easy to see that he is a really good player. He worked hard off the ball and that's important, as well."
The Argentina midfielder added: "The second goal; Rio, amazing, as well. I always speak with him about crossing the ball on the floor."
Florian Wirtz scored Liverpool's fourth before Villareal made it 4-3 through Tani Oluwaseyi.