The Spaniard has a fair few problems to solve after witnessing his first couple of matches as the new boss.
By Alex Ridout
Liverpool have now played both home and away in this new Premier League season, and after an opener away at St James’, followed by a Nottingham Forest’s arrival to Anfield, many have depicted what the biggest issues are in Andoni Iraola’s squad are, and more importantly, started to try and figure out how to solve them.
The Reds currently have just over 180 minutes of topflight football under their belt’s so far this campaign, and throughout all that time, the Spaniard’s side haven’t led a game for a single second.
The clash with the side from the City Ground ended 2-2, which replicated the score line of the game week one draw against Geordies last time out.
The tempo of these first two matches could be described as frantic, especially in certain moments, which is certainly different viewing from what the Liverpool faithful had to witness last season under Arne Slot, with Darren Fletcher on commentary even describing the last 20 minutes against Forest as having a “cup tie” feel due to the direct, basketball style of football that Anfield was witnessing.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhilst that’s all fun and entertaining, there will come a point where the Kop will look for results instead of styles of play, as the Reds already see a four point gap open between themselves and fellow top four contenders Manchester City.
It’s obvious that Iraola hasn’t had the same backing in the transfer market as new City boss Enzo Maresca, with the likes of Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi already through the door and playing, though the Spaniard will still be expected to produce performances with the squad he already has it his disposal.
Embed from Getty ImagesYou would expect to see a least one new face arrive at the AXA training ground in the next couple of days, as Bradley Barcola looks set to complete his big money move from PSG to Merseyside, however a large majority who have watched the Reds’ opening games will know that he still needs more.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter being opened up by the same type of goal twice on the opening weekend against Newcastle and looking fairly exposed at the back against Oliver Glasner’s side, many involved with the club, including Steven Gerrard, have expressed their view on what Fenway Sports Group (FSG) need to splash the cash on.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhilst talking before the Nottingham Forest game on TNT Sports, the former-Liverpool captain said: “Liverpool need a defensive midfielder, a specialist number six that can really make the midfield more powerful and ready for a full 60 to 70 games, if you’re going to be in the latter stages of competitions.”
Another area that has challenged the recruitment team over at Anfield this summer has been the right winger position.
From being rejected by eventual Real Madrid man, Yan Diomande, to walking away from a deal for the currently injured, Yankuba Minteh, following Brighton’s £80m valuation for the African winger, it has been a window of setbacks for FSG when trying to find the replacement for Mohamed Salah.
The Reds’ hierarchy knew that the Egyptian was set to leave Merseyside before the end of the 25/26 campaign, so why a massive scramble for player, just a week before the window closes, has ultimately bamboozled a lot of Liverpool supporters.
Following another attempt, this time with Crystal Palace, and the subject of taking Ismaïla Sarr off the London club’s hands, it seems the future of Cody Gakpo, which was up in the air for most of the summer months, ends up remaining at Anfield for the coming season.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite a tough last 12 months both on and off the pitch for the Dutchman, he has shown positive signs as being Iraola’s sharpest attacker, and after playing off the right fairly well against Forest, it seems having that option for the Spanish manager could be vital, with the Reds really lacking numbers on that side of the front three.
Embed from Getty ImagesLiverpool now look forward to a trip to Portman Road, as they face Premier League returners Ipswich, and there will be massive pressure on the men in red to deliver a first win of the season.
Featured image of Andoni Iraola and Alexander Isak after a preseason match against Monaco: Alex Ridout
Alex Ridout Sports Journalist 