Andoni Iraola wants to sign wingers to boost Liverpool’s attacking options
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Andoni Iraola will begin his tenure as Liverpool manager with an English Premier League clash against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Aug 23.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Andoni Iraola wants Liverpool to sign more wingers to improve their attack after Mohamed Salah's departure.
- Liverpool lost key experienced players including Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson, prompting a squad rebuild.
- Iraola is focused on starting strong against Newcastle and adapting to the open transfer market before the window closes on Sept 1.
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LONDON – Andoni Iraola admits Liverpool need to sign more wingers as they get used to life without Egypt star Mohamed Salah.
Iraola will take charge of his first English Premier League game as Liverpool manager at Newcastle United on Aug 23 after arriving from Bournemouth to replace the sacked Arne Slot.
The trip to St James’ Park also marks the start of Liverpool’s first season without Salah since 2016-17.
Salah joined Turkish club Trabzonspor earlier in August, bringing down the curtain on the iconic forward’s Anfield career, which featured 257 goals and multiple trophies including EPL and Champions League titles.
With Hugo Ekitike injured and doubts over Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool future, Iraola has limited options to support Alexander Isak in attack.
The Reds signed Victor Munoz in the summer and also have Federico Chiesa and teenager Rio Ngumoha, but Iraola would prefer to bring in more players on the flanks.
“In terms of what we need, there are certain situations that, for me, are clear, especially on the wing because we do not have enough players able to play in those positions,” the Spaniard told reporters on Aug 21.
“Beyond those positions, I think we have to be open-minded in the market and look at situations that can improve our team.”
He added that “it is not about signing a player because we need someone in a particular position”, adding: “It is about improving the squad. We have very good players already here, so to improve, you need a specific level of player.”
Salah’s exit is a major blow for Liverpool regardless of his poor form last season.
Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson also departed for Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
Iraola is having to rebuild a squad that finished fifth in last season’s EPL, just 12 months after winning the title.
“We lost a lot in terms of experience, high-level players who have performed so well for so many years here but I think it is also a natural thing in clubs,” he said.
“I think we have a lot of young players willing to take those minutes and ready to take those leadership roles. Overall, I am very happy with the attitude of the players in the pre-season.”
Iraola earned plaudits for leading Bournemouth to European qualification last season with his astute tactics and high-energy style of play.
The Spanish tactician will be tasked with mounting a title challenge while restoring the entertaining approach lost during Slot’s difficult second season.
Landing his preferred targets before the transfer window shuts on Sept 1 would ease Iraola’s acclimation to life on Merseyside.
“You understand how the competition works, that the market is open when you start the season,” he said.
“We have to adapt as coaches to this situation because there is a lot of uncertainty. Not just at Liverpool, but everywhere, because the market is open. But we have to adapt.
“Honestly, I don’t spend too much time thinking about these things. I know that you will spend a lot of time asking me about the market and this, but I am focused on the game against Newcastle. That is massive for me.
“You have seen the very good players that we have right now in the building, so we can be competitive from the beginning.”
With Joe Gomez sidelined with an injury, Virgil van Dijk looks set to partner either of two new arrivals – Ronald Araujo or Jeremy Jacquet – in central defence when they face the Magpies.
Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle insists he does not care about the lack of respect for his team ahead of the new season.
The former Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli boss, the surprise choice to replace Eddie Howe earlier in August, has no experience in a top European league on his resume.
Howe left Newcastle by mutual consent after a turbulent 12 months marred by the sales of star players such as Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
Now Jaissle must lift the gloom around St James’ Park, following a disappointing 12th-place finish in the league last season.
Asked if his team are being underestimated, the 38-year-old German said: “I don’t know how they rank us or how they rank me. To be honest, with all the respect, I don’t care.
“It’s not something I can influence, the opinion of others. We are good in our approach and we can only focus on what we can influence and that will be the same on this whole journey with this team.”
Joelinton will miss the game because of an unspecified injury, which is set to sideline the Brazilian midfielder for a couple of weeks.
While untested youngsters Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have been signed, Jaissle is optimistic of more arrivals before the transfer window closes. AFP, REUTERS