Alexander Isak scored twice for Liverpool in the victory over Ipswich on Friday but Andoni Iraola insists he expects more than just goals from the striker
Andoni Iraola looks on from the touchline
Andoni Iraola looks on from the touchline
Andoni Iraola has no doubts about Alexander Isak's ability in front of goal but has issued his own challenges to the striker.
Isak scored twice in a matter of minutes as Liverpool put Ipswich to the sword at Portman Road on Friday to claim a first Premier League victory under Iraola.
The Swedish international was twice set up by Cody Gakpo with his first strike proving too much for goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen to handle. Isak then danced his way past the lackluster Ipswich backline before slotting past the stranded Scherpen as the visitors took control inside the opening 10 minutes.
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Isak endured a difficult first season at Anfield following his record arrival from Newcastle but already has three goals this term, following his strike against Nottingham Forest last week.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Iraola opened up on the role of the No.9 within his new Liverpool system.
"He is a massive player for us. My demands won’t be about the goals. I know about his speed, he is in good shape and will produce the numbers," Iraola said.
“My fight with him is about other stuff, how he will help the team in other situations. He is getting a lot of minutes and scoring goals so we are happy.
Alexander Isak of Liverpool runs off the ball during the Premier League match against Ipswich Town
Alexander Isak scored a brace in Liverpool's victory over Ipswich Town(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"Today, we were much better in our high press and able to find him in good positions. It is a matter of putting our No.9 in positions like today, rather than playing safety passes."
Liverpool had drawn the opening two matches against Forest and Newcastle but head into the Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid on the back of a victory.
"We needed that one with the way it has been. We got a clean sheet. Controlling the game quite well, I think that we started the game really strong, and then it was another kind of second half. Probably wasn't as good as the first one," Iraola added.
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Liverpool fans also got a first glimpse of Bradley Barcola from the bench following his arrival from PSG and the Reds boss has been impressed so far.
He added: ""He hasn't played any competitive minutes since the World Cup, so we have to be a little bit more careful, but I think he has been very good."
"In a counter, a couple of times we didn't find him, so we will have to learn these kinds of movements because he will be in behind, threatening all the time."