Liverpool has a task on its hands to be in the Premier League title conversation, with Andoni Iraola being told what condition he needs for that to happen.
Andoni Iraola poses during the official UEFA Champions League 2026/27 portrait session
Andoni Iraola has been told that he could win the Premier League with Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Karl Bridgeman - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))
Former Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta believes that Andoni Iraola can take Liverpool back to the top again, but only if the Reds give the new head coach time.
It follows a mixed start for the manager so far, who has picked up two draws in the opening two Premier League matches, as attention firmly fixes on the opportunity for a first win against Ipswich Town.
There has been some frustration for Iraola so far, with Liverpool unable to replicate the performances of his Bournemouth side that he continued to progress with through the seasons.
It's worth noting that it took time for him to integrate his pressing principles into the players on the south coast, and there is every belief that it may take time for him to do the same with the Reds as the head coach.
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While it's still early days, Mendieta believes that Iraola can take Liverpool within the reach of the Premier League title once again, but it will require some time.
Speaking to Casinolyze, he said: "I think Andoni Iraola needs time. Again, time and football do not always go hand in hand. This is especially true for clubs like Liverpool, one of the biggest in the Premier League. But he needs that time.
"There are a lot of players who didn't work out last season, plus a new manager, new systems, new training methodologies, and new signings. There are a lot of things that need to be set in place.
"He is a proven manager. At Bournemouth, Rayo Vallecano, and everywhere else he’s been, he has delivered. I hope he is given time, and I hope the Liverpool fans and the club understand that and give him the opportunity to succeed, I'm sure he'll have them at the top of the table very soon.
Andoni Iraola manager / head coach of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC
Andoni Iraola has warned his Liverpool players about starting games slowly(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
"I understand that personally, I expected he would need time to absorb the whole Liverpool dimension, as a club, from the outside and the inside, as an organisation, and especially as a dressing room. It’s a new experience.
"I don't mean that in a way that suggests he cannot do it, because I truly believe he can, but of course, it takes time for both sides, players and the manager, to understand and adapt to each other."
It's certainly a point that Iraola would have considered before taking the job at Anfield, though thinking about that and putting it into practice is a whole different experience.
With the challenge of the Premier League, Champions League, and both domestic cups on the horizon, that players will need to adapt even quicker to get the team moving in the right direction.
It remains to be seen how successful the Reds can be this season, but there is an opportunity to make the most out of some players that many feel have underperformed in the past year.