Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has outlined the challenge facing Andoni Iraola at Anfield, with his verdict ahead of the new season both optimistic and realistic
Steven Gerrard working as a pundit on TNT Sports.
Steven Gerrard working as a pundit on TNT Sports.(Image: Cameron Smith - The FA via Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard says Liverpool should be excited about the appointment of Andoni Iraola as head coach — but more transfers are required before the September 1 deadline to get the squad in the right shape.
So far, only Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have come in to bolster the ranks, with neither having played so far this pre-season. Bradley Barcola, of course, is a leading target.
But while Gerrard is pleased with the arrival of Iraola, he knows that there needs to be a significant amount of improvement in the coming months compared to the second campaign under Arne Slot.
"Listen, I'm happy with it, but I also know the challenge that is in front of him," Gerrard told Open Goal Sport.
"I think Liverpool were miles off it last season. If we're really honest, they were miles off. The squad needs some surgery and it needs to address some balances.
"We need to get some players back fit and firing, and big players in big form.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
"So I think there is a lot of work to do for Liverpool, but in terms of the excitement and buzz in terms of the new manager, I'm there with him, for sure."
So far this summer, Liverpool has beaten Sunderland and Wrexham and then lost 4-2 against Leeds after a second-half collapse in Chicago.
There have been signs of the more intense style of play that the Reds want to return to under Iraola, however.
And Trey Nyoni, though he is not a new signing, looks ready to take the next step with more development to come from the teenage midfielder over the next few months.
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"I think we should speak in general about the two weeks [in the USA]," Dominik Szoboszlai said after the Leeds game.
"We got to know each other more and more. A couple of players came later, a couple of the guys were not even here.
"We got to know the manager, his staff. So, I think it was a good two weeks, with two wins and one loss. We learned a lot and we just keep on going."
Liverpool.com says: Gerrard is right. Iraola is an exciting appointment, but the roster looks really light as things stand. At least another couple of bodies coming through the door (a forward and a versatile defender) would make a huge difference.