Steven Gerrard has joined the excitement around Andoni Iraola‘s start at Liverpool, but called for additions to a squad which “needs some surgery.”
Gerrard, in his role as a pundit for TNT Sports, remained diplomatic for much of Arne Slot‘s final season in charge at Liverpool.
But with the Dutchman dismissed at the end of May and replaced by Iraola, the legendary midfielder has accepted that the club he loves were “miles off” what is expected last season.
That has tempered his hopes for Iraola, who Gerrard believes has his work cut out for him as “the squad needs some surgery.”
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I’m happy with it, but I also know the challenge that’s in front of him,” he told Open Goal.
“I think Liverpool were miles off last season, if we’re really honest they were miles off.
“The squad needs some surgery, it needs to address some imbalances. We need to get some players back fit and firing, and big players in big form.
“So I think there’s a lot of work to do for Liverpool, but in terms of the excitement and the buzz and the restart under a new manager, I’m there and I’m all with them for sure.”
Gerrard had previously described Liverpool as looking “disjointed” and “broken” in their final games under Slot, and high-profile departures this summer have only weakened the squad.
Mo Salah‘s move to Trabzonspor was confirmed on Thursday while Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate joined Tottenham and Real Madrid on free transfers respectively.
While Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have arrived for a combined £94.5 million and Kostas Tsimikas and Harvey Elliott have rejoined the first-team setup following loans elsewhere, there are still major gaps in the squad.
Another defender is required along with at least one more winger, while many fans would argue reinforcement is also required in midfield.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 28, 2026: Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard applauds the supporters after the LFC Foundation match between Liverpool FC Legends and Borussia Dortmund Legends at Anfield. The game ended 2-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 28, 2026: Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard applauds the supporters after the LFC Foundation match between Liverpool FC Legends and Borussia Dortmund Legends at Anfield. The game ended 2-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is therefore only right to acknowledge that, while change with Iraola in the dugout is a positive, the Spaniard needs support from those in the recruitment team to ensure any success.
The hope will be that the necessary surgery is conducted over the coming days and weeks, not only with incomings but also outgoings.
Paris Saint-Germain wingers Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye are both targets, and if the pair of them can be signed it would go a long way to address the gaps in attack.
Furthermore, speculation over a move for Tottenham full-back Djed Spence could also provide the cover and quality needed in defence.
Football – UEFA Champions League – Quarter-Final – 1st Leg – Paris Saint-Germain FC v Liverpool FC
Football – UEFA Champions League – Quarter-Final – 1st Leg – Paris Saint-Germain FC v Liverpool FC
Abe, Koumas, McConnell, Nyoni collage
Abe, Koumas, McConnell, Nyoni collage
ROUNDUP COLLAGE
ROUNDUP COLLAGE