Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has expressed satisfaction with the quality in his squad, insisting he now has the players required to improve the team’s fortunes after a winless start to the Premier League season.
The Liverpool head coach made the comments during his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday’s away trip to Ipswich Town, where the Reds will be seeking their first victory of the campaign.
Liverpool have drawn both of their opening two league matches under Iraola, playing out 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. Despite the results, the Spaniard remains confident in the squad assembled during the summer transfer window.
Liverpool made four major additions, headlined by the £123 million signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. Barcola is available for selection against Ipswich and could make his first appearance for the club.
The Reds also completed the £60m signing of centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, whose deal was agreed in January, while winger Victor Munoz arrived from Osasuna for £34.5m. Ronald Araujo also joined on loan from Barcelona.
Liverpool opted not to strengthen at right-back or replace Curtis Jones in midfield following his £30m move to Inter Milan. Jones made 49 appearances last season, but Iraola believes the decision not to recruit another midfielder should not prevent his team from competing.
Asked whether he wanted further additions, Iraola defended the club’s transfer strategy and stressed that the players already at his disposal must now deliver.
“Do I want more signings? In the end, the club has decided those signings we have done are the ones that will improve our team, improve the positions.
There were other options that we decided not to take for different reasons, sometimes sporting or economical. It didn’t make sense in the market for those moves.”
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool FC head coach
Iraola Turns Focus to Coaching
Having closed the door on further recruitment, Iraola believes his immediate task is to maximise the quality within the squad. “I’m happy now. I have a lot of quality in the team,” he said. “Now it is the moment is for me and the players to develop what we have.”
The manager also rejected concerns over Liverpool’s midfield depth, pointing to the options available to him in the position.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo provide four senior choices, while Trey Nyoni offers an additional option. “In midfield we have good numbers,” Iraola said.
He acknowledged, however, that choosing the right combinations will be crucial as Liverpool enter a period of increased fixture congestion.
“Now it’s a matter of getting the right calls from myself. I’m finding now the best combinations and we are going through a period now where we will play a lot of games and we’ll have a chance to see the options we have and the combinations we have. It’s a matter of coaching.”
Andoni Iraola
Gakpo Staying Gives Iraola Another Option
Iraola also welcomed Liverpool’s decision to retain Cody Gakpo after Manchester City reportedly saw an £80m bid for the Dutch forward rejected. “I’m glad to keep Cody Gakpo because he is a valuable player,” the Liverpool boss said.
Gakpo has already made a positive contribution this season, registering one goal and one assist across Liverpool’s first two league matches.
Iraola said he feels “much more comfortable” now that the transfer window has closed and he knows the squad he will be working with.
That clarity also leaves him with fewer excuses as Liverpool look to turn their early performances into victories. “I want to win. I need to win,” Iraola said after the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool had the Premier League’s highest net spend this summer when the Jacquet deal is included, underlining the scale of the investment made in the squad.
The pressure will therefore remain on Iraola to demonstrate why Liverpool trusted him with the job. Friday’s meeting with Ipswich provides his next opportunity to prove that the quality he sees in his squad can translate into the results the club expects.
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