The new head coach of Liverpool, Andoni Iraola, has said that his team needs more new players for the upcoming season in order to succeed.
This summer, a mere two signings have already been made – French centre-back Jeremy Jaquet and Spanish forward Víctor Muñoz – but the former Bournemouth boss expects more arrivals ahead of the new season.
Iraola signed as head coach after former manager Arne Slot left, following a fifth place finish in the Premier League despite Champions League football being secured.
The Reds also saw Mohamed Salah depart from the club at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Here, Rant Sport writer Tom Down discusses what this means for Liverpool FC for the remainder of the summer transfer window.
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More signings needed
Speaking in his first press conference since joining the Reds, Iraola said: “Obviously, we have signed two players already but we need more players. We know this. The club is working on this.
“Me, as a coach, selfishly, we want the players here from day one to train from pre-season.
“But we know football doesn’t work like this. The club is working hard to get those signings.
“It is a big challenge for me. It is a big change.
“Here, most weeks we will not have a clean week, we will have a midweek game, but it is a great opportunity.”
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Hard times ahead
Iraola went on to talk about how the team must be prepared for the difficult moments that they may face during the season.
He said to the press: “There is a chance to use more players. It is impossible to deal with this kind of season with 15 players. You need the squad.
“We have to get ready because this kind of hard season, injuries and situations will happen.
“We have to get ready in squad depth to deal with the demands of the competition. December and January. Those months are hard.
“We have to accept the difficult situation right now.
“A lot of senior players leaving, very important players. Also, some of the very important players are injured.
“[Hugo] Ekitike, [Conor] Bradley and [Geovanni] Leoni. They are long-term injuries.
“In terms of improving the team, we have to consider replacing important players who were making important numbers and the players who will be missing time.
“The three players, I love them. They are long-term solutions but we have to try and find solutions.”
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Same, but different
The new Liverpool boss spoke about how he wants to be the same coach that he is known for but also knows what needs to change at his new club.
Iraola said: “I will try to be the same coach. I understand I will make mistakes and say things I shouldn’t.
“You have to be yourself and I will try to be. I cannot say everything here to you; some have to be private.
“But with the players, who have big personalities and egos, I will try not to change.
“I talked to players, I talked to the staff about the things that are working well, the things we can do differently. I wouldn’t say better, I would say differently.
“They have to be aware of our core principles. After, we will have a lot of questions about facing low blocks.
“I prefer to face low blocks in terms of the way we will be in control of the games, probably, we will concede less chances, spend a lot of time in the opposition half.
“Some teams give you that situation straight away, that is fine. Other teams do not give you that situation straightaway because they will try to control the game, play in your half.
“I am looking forward to spending as much time inside the opposition half – with the ball and without the ball – because I feel we are closer to scoring from that position.”
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Winning hearts again
Arne Slot’s style of football became considerably unfavoured by the Anfield crowd – something Iraola hopes to avoid.
The Reds boss said: “I would like to give them a team they can feel proud of. Football, especially in Liverpool, is about connecting with the people.
“I have been on the other side at Anfield, you can feel the stadium. I would love to have this every game we play. It has to come from us on the pitch.
“We have to be a team that works hard, intense and aggressive. So, everyone can be identified and feel comfortable supporting this team.”
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