Liverpool’s wait for a first Premier League victory under Andoni Iraola will go on after the Reds were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
The result means Liverpool have now drawn both of their opening league fixtures, having also shared the points with Newcastle United at St James’ Park last weekend.
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Despite Alexander Isak’s equaliser and a late Victor Muñoz strike rescuing a point, the performance exposed areas which could require attention before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Speaking after the match, Iraola was asked about Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola, with the France international closing in on his move to Anfield.
“I cannot tell you anything different right now,” Iraola said. “It’s true things are going on, like it’s normal we were talking about the last weeks of the window. I can’t wait to work with the squad post window. We have to wait some days and work with what we have when the market closes.”
Liverpool have reportedly finalised an agreement for Barcola, with the winger expected to undergo his medical before completing a move worth up to £123 million.
His arrival would give Iraola another option in the wide areas, one of Liverpool’s priorities throughout the summer.
However, the opening two league matches have also strengthened the argument that further business may be required elsewhere.
Liverpool conceded twice against Newcastle United before again allowing Nottingham Forest to score twice at Anfield, while the midfield was once more exposed during transitions.
The Reds have been linked with defensive midfielders, although Iraola has previously indicated he believes the issue can be solved internally.
Asked whether he believes his squad will be sufficiently equipped once the window closes, the Liverpool boss refused to make a definitive judgement whilst speaking to BBC Sport.
“We are talking now about, we don’t know what the squad is at the 2nd September,” Iraola said. “I think every analysis I can make is: when everything finishes I know who is going to be here… now we’ve waited all summer and we have to wait 2-3 more days, and then analyse what we have when the market closes.”
With Bradley Barcola seemingly close, attention will now turn towards whether Liverpool pursue another winger or finally address the holding midfield position.
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