Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola said Jeremy Jacquet had to suffer through a tough stretch at Ipswich instead of being substituted, as his fitness continues to build into his Reds future
Head coach Andoni Iraola speaks to the media
Andoni Iraola explained allowing Jeremy Jacquet to work through a yellow card against Ipswich Town(Image: X @SkySportsPL)
New Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet was on the receiving end of a lesson that head coach Andoni Iraola wanted him to survive during the team's first Premier League victory of the season.
Iraola resisted the temptation to protect Jacquet by subbing him off during the 2-0 win against Ipswich Town in a physical second half that ended in one yellow card, and should have been in the eyes of Tractor Boys supporters.
The 21-year-old center-back is still rebuilding after suffering a serious shoulder injury while at Rennes before his move to Anfield. The injury required surgery and ended his season before his summer move.
Jacquet started Liverpool’s opening two league games but was unable to complete either one. The French defender lasted 69 minutes against Newcastle United in the season opener and played 76 minutes during a draw against Nottingham Forest.
The Ipswich performance served as Jacquet's first full 90 minutes of the season. Iraola’s decision to leave him on the field showed the head coach's belief in his fitness progression, though it required a degree of suffering.
"For any center-back to play alongside Virgil is a lesson and a masterclass,” Iraola said after the win. "Jeremy played his first full game. Physically, he could not finish the first two games."
"Today, there was a moment in the second half when I had a doubt, but I think he has to suffer and go through those periods," he continued. "He finished the game well and will slowly keep building the fitness."
Jacquet was booked in the 52nd minute for a high-footed challenge on Emersonn, then escaped a potential second yellow just minutes later after dragging the Brazilian to the ground as Ipswich tried to break behind Liverpool’s defense.
Iraola trusted his young defender to manage the pressure, regain his composure, and maintain the discipline required to finish strong. The French defender also proved his worth to Liverpool early, as Reds supporters' eyes were all on Bradley Barcola's debut.
Jeremy Jacquet challenges Emersonn
Jacquet's yellow card came after he challenged Emersonn
Jacquet read Abdul Fatawu’s cross and moved across to block Emersonn’s effort after Leif Davis headed the ball back into danger early on. He later helped create a chance at the other end by threading a delivery toward Florian Wirtz.
The German midfielder’s volley was saved, but the sequence still showed a glimpse of the on-ball skills that Liverpool want from their center-backs. Jacquet started in a back four featuring veteran captain Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araujo, and Milos Kerkez.
The clean sheet also showed Iraola that Jacquet could survive a rough patch without the game slipping away from him.
Jacquet will get another chance to prove himself to Iraola as Liverpool prepares for its Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.