Andoni Iraola insists he’s happy with his squad after the transfer window, despite admitting “there were other options” which Liverpool decided against pursuing.
Liverpool’s transfer window concluded to disappointment from many supporters at the lack of late arrivals in key areas.
Bradley Barcola‘s move was completed on Monday to join Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo as the only first-team signings.
But speaking to reporters in his pre-Ipswich press conference, Iraola said: “I’m very happy with all the signings we’ve made.
“I think three signings, or four with Jeremy, I’m very happy with.
“I know the next question is ‘did you want more signings in other positions?’. In the end, the club has decided that those signings we’ve done are the ones that improve our team, improve our position.
“There were other options that we decided not to take for different reasons.
“Sometimes it’s sporting reasons, because they don’t improve what you have, sometimes it’s because of economical reasons that didn’t make sense in terms of the market to do.
“But I’m happy now that I know what we have. We have a lot of quality in the team and now is the moment for us, for the players, for me, to develop what we have.”
Iraola defends decision not to sign a right-back or midfielder
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Monaco's Lamine Camara during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Monaco's Lamine Camara during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The two key areas fans were calling to strengthen in were at right-back – with Conor Bradley long-term injured and Jeremie Frimpong not coping – and in midfield.
However, when Iraola was asked specifically about those positions, he defended Liverpool’s stance on not strengthening – despite clear interest in Monaco’s all-action midfielder Lamine Camara.
“The challenge now in our squad is that we have,” he continued.
“For example you ask for right-back, we don’t have Conor Bradley or Joe Gomez right now. We definitely look thin, yes.
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola shakes hands with Jeremie Frimpong as he is substituted during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola shakes hands with Jeremie Frimpong as he is substituted during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“But if you take two players from every position injured, you will look thin, always.
“Now we are in that situation, that’s why I value Dominik Szoboszlai who can play right-back, Ronald Araujo who can also play right-back.
“This versatility in the players helps us to go through these moments in the season where we will have injuries.
“Now it’s right-back, but maybe in two months we’re talking about other positions, and then for me it’s very valuable to have players who can cover us during these moments where we’re thin.”
‘We have the numbers in midfield – now it’s a matter of coaching’
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni (L) and Florian Wirtz 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 Trey Nyoni (L) and Florian Wirtz 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)
Iraola added: “In midfield we have good numbers. Now it’s a matter of making the right calls from my side.
“Every game I coach these players I learn a lot. I’m finding now the best combinations.
“Now we’re going to go in a period the next two weeks where we are going to play a lot of games. We will have the chance also to see all the options we have, the combinations, who plays well with the other.
“Now it’s a matter of coaching and making the decisions. But we have the numbers there, yes.”
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Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic walks out to watch the second half during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Gakpo, Barcola, Gravenberch collage
Gakpo, Barcola, Gravenberch collage
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