LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has made it clear that he expects far more from his side in terms of intensity and off-the-ball work.
Iraola’s Bournemouth team were renowned for their high-octane style of play, with players pressing relentlessly and working hard until the final whistle.
Liverpool have failed to replicate that in the Spaniard’s first two games in charge, however, looking sluggish and conceding four goals.
After the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, Iraola demanded more from his players out of possession, bemoaning them switching off from throw-ins.
“I think what we do without the ball affects a lot after our play in possession,” Iraola said.
“I think in the first half we were being passive without the ball, leaving a lot of distance, leaving them joining some passes, becoming a little bit comfortable.
“After we improved this and that matter of intensity, being closer to the opposition gives you the chance to win duels and then you start attacking quicker, attacking better.
“This lack of intensity without the ball I think has hurt us and also we’ve had issues today with the throw-ins.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz reacts to his side's first and equalising goal ruled out for offside during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz reacts to his side's first and equalising goal ruled out for offside during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Not only the long throw-in, just the throw-ins because the first ball comes from a throw-in we don’t defend well in the right side after there is a long throw-in.
“And after comes, obviously the second goal comes from that situation.”
Patience is required at Liverpool but improvements needed
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. The game ended 2-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. The game ended 2-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It hasn’t been a dream start to life under Iraola at Liverpool, with the performances against both Newcastle and Forest extremely flawed.
But there were always likely to be teething issues, with the 44-year-old’s style so different to Arne Slot‘s, and improved fitness levels required.
For that reason, patience is vital among Liverpool fans, as was the case in Jurgen Klopp‘s early days, when he finished eighth in his first season in charge.
That said, improvements are still required, with the Reds’ quality in the final third sorely lacking so far this season.
A lack of concentration is unacceptable, however, and Liverpool cannot afford to keep conceding goals like they have against Newcastle and Forest.
They have also been unbalanced in midfield, looking susceptible on the counter-attack, which will hopefully force Iraola into a change in personnel.
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