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Liverpool’s summer signing Victor Munoz has generated plenty of excitement since sealing his move from Osasuna, not least because of the role Andoni Iraola played in convincing him to head to Anfield.
In his first comments since the transfer, the 22-year-old made it clear that Liverpool’s new head coach helped sell the project to him, with Munoz admitting the opportunity was simply too big to ignore:
“It’s an opportunity you can’t pass up. He (Andoni Iraola) instilled confidence in me, showed me how his team plays,” he said of the Anfield switch.
“He played an important role in my decision. The transfer happened very quickly. I’ve been focused on the World Cup. I haven’t wanted to hear much about my future unless it was something concrete.”
However, much of the immediate focus since that deal was completed has shifted away from his long-term potential and towards his short-term fitness.
Munoz arrived at the World Cup already managing a calf issue, and Spain later confirmed that he suffered another muscular problem while working through an individual recovery programme, slowing his path back to full fitness.
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has also tried to ease concerns around the situation. The national team manager previously explained that Munoz’s latest issue was not considered a relapse, but rather a separate muscular problem.
Now speaking on Munoz ahead of final group stage clash against Uruguay this Friday, De la Fuente has said that he is getting closer to recovery:
“The 26 players are exceptionally motivated. Víctor is making progress and getting closer to recovery, and everyone has that positive sense of anticipation. What we have to do is maintain our identity. Know our strengths and keep improving.”
With Uruguay sitting just two points behind, a win against Spain is an upset the South American nation will be hoping for.