Home/News/Premier League
Iraola Backs His Squad as Barcola Nears Liverpool Debut
Premier League

Iraola Backs His Squad as Barcola Nears Liverpool Debut

2 hours ago·2 min

Andoni Iraola has declared himself satisfied with every signing Liverpool have made since he took charge, insisting the burden now falls on him to get the best out of his squad.

The club brought in four major additions this summer, headlined by the £123 million acquisition of winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. Barcola is in line to feature when Liverpool host Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Friday.

Iraola also has centre-back Jeremy Jacquet — secured in January for £60 million — winger Victor Munoz, signed from Osasuna for £34.5 million, and defender Ronald Araujo, who joined on loan from Barcelona. Liverpool chose not to pursue reinforcements at right-back or in central midfield.

Midfielder numbers sufficient, says Iraola

The departures of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan for £30 million leave Liverpool with four senior central midfielders: Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Wataru Endo, plus academy talent Trey Nyoni.

"In midfield we have good numbers," Iraola said. "Now it's a matter of getting the right calls from myself. I'm finding the best combinations and we will play a lot of games — we'll have a chance to see the options and combinations we have. It's a matter of coaching."

Iraola also confirmed the club turned down an £80 million offer from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo, describing the Dutch forward as "a valuable player." Gakpo has contributed one goal and one assist across Liverpool's opening two Premier League matches, both of which ended in 2-2 draws — against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

Pressure mounts ahead of Ipswich clash

Iraola is yet to taste victory as Liverpool manager, but he appeared composed when addressing the media for the first time since the transfer window closed. He said he feels "much more comfortable" now that his squad is settled, and that the responsibility rests with him to develop what he has.

"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," Iraola said. "I'm happy now. I have a lot of quality in the team. Now it is the moment for me and the players to develop what we have."

When accounting for the Jacquet deal — agreed in January but completed this summer — Liverpool recorded the highest net spend of any Premier League club in the window. Iraola has shown no signs of alarm, but he will know that three points at Ipswich on Friday would ease any early pressure considerably.

Comments
Be the first to comment.
Related StoriesSee All