Andoni Iraola has explained why he isn’t making changes to his back four after Liverpool recorded three clean sheets in a row in the Premier League.
Liverpool produced their third consecutive shutout in the league with Sunday’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth, with only Leeds and Everton conceding fewer goals so far.
It was the first time the Reds have kept three clean sheets in a row in the league since the start of the title-winning 2024/25 campaign.
That comes with Iraola moving to an unchanged back four of Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez since conceding four in their first two games of the season.
In his post-match press conference, the head coach explained the improvements seen since fielding his new defensive quartet.
“I think the more time, especially the defenders, you play together it becomes more as a unit,” Iraola told reporters.
“The defensive line, Jeremy, Virgil, with the help now of Ronald and Milos, are getting the connections, becoming more solid.
“In the moments that you need defend the result or they are putting pressure, we are looking solid.”
Jeremie Frimpong was clearly targeted as a weakness by both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, and Araujo’s run at right-back has led to a much stronger setup.
How Jacquet took “step forward” vs. Bournemouth
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's Jérémy Jacquet with a header during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's Jérémy Jacquet with a header during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
But Liverpool have also been aided by the introduction of Alexis Mac Allister to the two-man midfield – with Ryan Gravenberch only starting once in the league since the opening 2-2 draw with Newcastle – and Jacquet’s development at centre-back.
“I’m happy for him, because he’s also received his first international call-up with France. It’s a big national team and I know that he’s happy,” Iraola said of his No. 5.
“He’s still very young, he’s adapting very well to the Premier League.
“I think the first games, physically he was feeling the change of rhythm. He was finishing with cramps, he was finishing very tired, we had to sub him.
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“Today has been a step forward, he looked solid until the end, I think he’s finished in a good place physically.
“I hope he can continue this development.”
Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk and Kerkez all depart for international duty this week, with the majority of Iraola’s first-team squad representing their countries in as many as four games.
The hope will therefore be that no fitness concerns emerge between now and the visit of Man City on October 11 – and particularly to a defence which can ill afford any changes in personnel.
Football – FA Premier League – AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool FC
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – FA Premier League – AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool FC
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's goalscorer Alexander Isak applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)