Iraola’s Initial Impact and Tactical Approach
Andoni Iraola has begun to implement his vision at Liverpool, even as the team remains in the pre-season phase. His approach appears to involve increased possession, high pressing, rapid transitions, and intense attacking movement. These early matches have also brought to light some defensive concerns for the squad.
The Spanish coach succeeded Arne Slot, who departed after a single season during which he led Liverpool to the Premier League title. Iraola’s ideas are seen as intriguing, with a focus on a vibrant brand of football that aligns with the style associated with the Jürgen Klopp era, characterized by speed, constant pressing, and relentless attack.
During the first half of the friendly against Monaco, Liverpool showcased Iraola’s desired style. With Florian Wirtz operating ahead of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, the team maintained an aggressive stance, pressing high and frequently forcing turnovers from their opponents.
Alexander Isak opened the scoring for Liverpool, followed by Wirtz securing a second goal. However, these energy levels were not sustained throughout the match, and Iraola noted that the team currently lacks the capacity to maintain such intensity for an entire game. He acknowledged both positive and negative aspects from the performance.
Squad Depth and Defensive Concerns
The friendly defeat by Monaco at Anfield highlighted several squad issues, despite the arrival of Ronald Araujo. Araujo, a Uruguay international, joined on a season-long loan from Barcelona and is expected to provide much-needed defensive cover, capable of playing both centre-back and right-back.
The defensive vulnerabilities were evident when Liverpool relinquished a 2-1 half-time lead against Monaco. This occurred after the partnership of captain Virgil van Dijk and teenager Ifeanyi Ndukwe was disrupted in the second half. Ndukwe, an 18-year-old defender, is set for a loan spell due to work permit issues for the upcoming season, despite his strong pre-season performances.
Other defensive players, including Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, remain sidelined. Jeremy Jacquet, who has been out with a minor knee problem since his move from Rennes, is anticipated to return to full training soon. These absences mean either Araujo or Jacquet may need to partner Van Dijk for the Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
In goal, Alisson returned against Monaco before being replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili in the second half, underscoring a significant difference in quality between the primary goalkeeper and his backup. The full-back positions are expected to be filled by Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez in the absence of the injured Conor Bradley.
Midfield and Attacking Challenges
The midfield also presents concerns regarding squad depth. After Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Wirtz were substituted, Liverpool finished the match with a midfield of Trey Nyoni, James McConnell, and Harvey Elliott. Curtis Jones was unavailable due to hip discomfort, and his future at the club is uncertain amid interest from Inter.
Alexis Mac Allister is expected to rejoin the squad, with Iraola anticipating his continued presence despite speculation about his future. The absence of a specialist holding midfielder to support Gravenberch is also a point of concern, particularly given the team’s struggles in midfield last season.
At the attacking end, the search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah continues as the new Premier League season approaches. Reports from France regarding a €115m bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola have been dismissed by senior club sources, with PSG reportedly seeking around £145m.
Isak is expected to lead the line for the opening match, but the roles on either side of him are less clear. Academy player Lewis Koumas started ahead of Federico Chiesa against Monaco. The team is also considering options like PSG teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye to address the need for a naturally right-sided attacker. Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha also featured in the friendly, with Munoz showing pace and trickery.
Iraola expressed frustration after the Monaco friendly, particularly with the second-half performance, stating that the team could not deliver what the fans expected. The new campaign is less than two weeks away.
Source: goal.com
