Kostas Tsimikas and Greece failed to qualify for the World Cup, but he opened the scoring against Alexander Isak and Sweden on Thursday, sending a reminder to Andoni Iraola
19:26, 04 Jun 2026
Kostas Tsimikas scored a stunning goal for Greece against Sweden
Kostas Tsimikas scored a stunning goal for Greece against Sweden(Image: Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP via Getty Images)
Returning Liverpool left back Kostas Tsimikas scored the opening goal for Greece in an international friendly against Sweden, with Alexander Isak getting a close-up view of his stunning strike.
Tsimikas was lurking on the edge of the penalty area when he was rolled the ball by in-demand striker Christos Tzolis, and found the top corner. Tsimikas spent last season on loan with AS Roma, but will return to Liverpool and attempt to impress incoming head coach Andoni Iraola.
Arne Slot was suddenly sacked at the end of the 2025-26 season, despite reports that Liverpool would allow him to complete the final year of the three-year deal he signed in 2024. Iraola met with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes on Thursday, and will get a proper look at his new roster after the World Cup.
Iraola has agreed to a two-year deal in principle, but arrives at a stressful time for the club, with Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, and Ibrahima Konate departing. Tsimikas could replace Robertson and play backup to Milos Kerkez, but his future has yet to be determined.
Liverpool scraped into the top five of the Premier League under Slot last season, but failed to win any silverware after clinching the title in 2024-25. Slot was abruptly given his marching orders, and Iraola is on the verge of signing.
Iraola led AFC Bournemouth to sixth in the Premier League, guaranteeing Europa League soccer next season, though he decided to leave the club. After being linked with various teams, including Crystal Palace, Liverpool sacked Slot and instantly pursued Iraola.
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Although there are some doubts about his ability to take on such a huge job, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes he will restore the attacking football that was lost at times last season.
"I'm quite excited because after watching Bournemouth play, there's no reason to think he's not going to try and play the same way - in terms of being courageous and on the front foot and trying to press teams with high energy and play attacking football," Murphy said to BBC.
"When a fanbase becomes disillusioned with a manager and his style of play — and then start turning on him — you're delaying the inevitable. I do believe Liverpool are better placed now and that's not all down to Slot.
Andoni Iraola will be in the Liverpool dugout next season, after several trips to Anfield as the away coach
Andoni Iraola will be in the Liverpool dugout next season, after several trips to Anfield as the away coach(Image: 2025 Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth)
"Bringing in Iraola was the best option because the fans go into a new campaign with hope and excitement, rather than fear. You do not want to start the season where the players are feeling the anxiety from the outset, and this was the best way for Liverpool to do it."
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Iraola is from the Basque Country and spent the majority of his playing career with Athletic Bilbao, making 510 appearances and scoring 38 goals as a right back. Iraola joined Bournemouth in 2023, after the club finished 15th the previous season.
The Spanish head coach led Bournemouth to 12th, 9th, and then 6th place, with the previous season his most impressive. Despite losing several key players, including Kerkez to Liverpool, Iraola guided Bournemouth to the Europa League.
Kerkez struggled in his debut season for Liverpool, but his best soccer came under Iraola. The full-back positions hurt Liverpool last season, but now a former full-back is set to be named head coach.