Time may actually be running out for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, as his side recently blew a 2-goal lead against Monaco, which led to a 3-2 defeat for the English club.
Although it was a pre-season game, it was the manager’s first in charge of Liverpool. His side repeated a similar result against Leeds United on August 2, bottling a 2-goal cushion that ended in a 4-2 defeat.
Concerning the game against Monaco, Jamie Carragher had this to say:
️ “The first half was really impressive. Liverpool looked aggressive, confident and dangerous, and there were plenty of positive signs in the way they attacked. But the second half was completely different.”
Liverpool also drew a pre-season match against Como, and Robbie Fowler stated that:
️ “A goalless draw in pre-season isn’t a disaster, but it does expose where Liverpool still have work to do. The quality is there, yet the drop-off between the strongest XI and the options behind them is something Iraola can’t ignore.”
He further reported:
“There were flashes I liked: Muñoz has frightening speed, Nyoni continues to look like a player with a big future, and Mac Allister showed again why his control and intelligence could be vital this season. But potential doesn’t win Premier League games; consistency and depth do.”
Arne Slot was sacked recently, and that saw Iraola assume the position of Liverpool head coach. The Spanish coach may be finding it difficult to replace Slot, since the latter won a trophy during his first season, and fans would be expecting the same from Iraola.
What Iraola Demands From His Team
It is usually argued that the formation of the new Liverpool manager doesn’t suit the type of players at his disposal.
His style of play has to do with confidence on and off the ball, the support of the full-backs in attack, and the presence of two midfielders (No.6 and No.8) who protect the defence in case of a transition from the opposing team.
However, in past matches under the new Liverpool manager, the centre-backs do not get enough support, since the midfield is exposed. Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai are not purely defensive midfielders, and therefore, they tend to always move forward during possession, leaving spaces behind.
Moreover, the ex-Bournemouth coach loves high-intensity football and high press, close to what Jürgen Klopp had earlier built at Liverpool. However, it seems his players cannot play with intensity for a long period of time, and that explains why the team consistently bottles leads.
This is a technique that had brought him a successful spell at the previous clubs the new Liverpool manager has coached, particularly Bournemouth. It is still in doubt, however, if such gameplay will lead Liverpool into winning ways.
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Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola: The Support He Needs
Liverpool obviously saw the style of play Iraola deployed at Bournemouth, and decided to have his signature. It’s quite clear they are trying to take things to the status quo during the Jürgen Klopp era.
Unfortunately, it appears the newLiverpool manager doesn’t possess the type of players that can sustain his high-intensity, aggressive gameplay, as can be seen in the Leeds United and Monaco game.
To get Liverpool back to winning ways, will need to provide the funds to sign the right players. On that note, Jeff Bezos, who is reported to be on the verge of purchasing a minority stake in Liverpool, stated that he didn’t come to invest in the club, but to see the club lift trophies.
To this end, it’s reported that he had discussed with Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola the prospects of landing new signings.
According to Ian Rush:
“If this deal involving Jeff Bezos and the investment group goes through, it’s a major statement about Liverpool’s global appeal. A stake of more than 30% is significant, and you have to ask what that could mean for the club going forward.”
To this end, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola could be handed some players who could cope with his style of play.
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