Liverpool is hoping to get a couple more players through the door before the September 1 transfer deadline and head coach Andoni Iraola has offered an honest assessment
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool press conference.
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool press conference.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola has admitted that Liverpool does not currently have enough players in wide areas, while he says that other positions could be strengthened as well if the right opportunities arise in the market.
Heading into the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, Liverpool is still working on bringing in at least one more forward option. PSG's Bradley Barcola is the chief target.
"As a manager, you want the players from the first day, but you have to understand how it works and we have to adapt as coaches," Iraola insisted in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"I don't spend too much time thinking about these things. I am focused on the game against Newcastle. That is massive for me."
Pressed on Barcola and more specific names after news emerged earlier in the week of a bid for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, Iraola simply added: "We cannot speak about players who are not ours."
Curtis Jones is heading for the exit door and Iraola did not rule out signing players in other positions beyond out wide if the right opportunities come up in the transfer market.
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool press conference.
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool press conference.(Image: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
In terms of positions that could be looked at, Iraola explained: "Some situations are clear — on the wing, we need specific players for that.
"In other positions, we have to be open-minded to situations that can improve our team. It is about improving the squad and we have good players here."
Iraola has been honest all summer about needing more depth. But time is running out in the market to get the necessary deals over the line.
"We will definitely sign some players," Iraola had earlier told Jamie Carragher in an interview for Sky Sports.
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"Some deals you have to wait until the end. But the end is the important picture, the one we will have on September 1, because it is true that we are still quite thin."
Liverpool has already signed Victor Munoz this summer to bolster its attack, while Ronald Araujo has come in on loan from Barcelona.
A deal for Jeremy Jacquet was done in January ahead of the following window. But, having lost Mohamed Salah, another attacker as a minimum is a must.
"I feel excited," Iraola said ahead of the Newcastle game. "I feel it in the atmosphere with the players that this week has been different to the friendlies. So I am looking forward to Sunday, to feel the pressure and the competition."