Liverpool news as Andoni Iraola ponders solutions to the issues he inherited in the summer
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola will be reviewing Liverpool's start to the season(Image: Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola has much to contemplate during his first international break as Liverpool boss. It's been a solid start to the season for the Reds, who occupy sixth place in the table after five matches, six points off early pacesetters Manchester City.
Liverpool's hard-earned victory at Bournemouth indicated that Iraola has strong foundations to work with as he seeks to challenge City and champions Arsenal.
That being said, there are nagging concerns he'll be considering between now and the Reds' next fixture against City on October 11, including a lopsided squad and how to maximise Florian Wirtz's contribution.
The Spaniard will also be hoping the 18 first-team players summoned for international duty all return without injury. Here's a round-up of the latest Reds news....
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Problem position to be solved?
The left-back slot continues to be a headache following Andy Robertson's departure. Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas are competing for the position, with neither proving particularly convincing.
It's premature to dismiss either player, but should Liverpool be compiling a shortlist ahead of January, the left side of the defence is likely near the top of it. Crystal Palace, who have increasingly become targets for clubs higher up the Premier League pecking order, could offer the next solution.
Tyrick Mitchell
Tyrick Mitchell is reportedly on Liverpool's radar(Image: Getty Images)
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Highly-rated left-back Tyrick Mitchell, who is out of contract next summer, has emerged as a target for Liverpool, according to TEAMtalk. In order to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season, Mitchell could be made available at the right price come January. Palace adopted a similar approach with Marc Guehi when he moved to City, something the Reds will need no reminding of.
Szoboszlai has no excuses
Dominik Szoboszlai has insisted Liverpool cannot hide behind the "transitional season" label and must compete for silverware this campaign. While the Reds are embarking on a fresh chapter under Iraola, Szoboszlai is acutely aware that the club's standing and recent investment mean there is little appetite for patience.
The Hungarian said: "It's enough to speak about that we need time. Obviously, last season things weren't going well and we were saying that new players came in and a couple of players left and it didn't work out.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai hasn't got time for excuses(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)
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"So we were saying we need time because of the transition. Now we will say that Mo [Salah] left, a legend and with all the respect. Robbo [Roberton] the same.
"Every year, something is going to happen. So, at one point we have to take the responsibility and stop making excuses, because we are Liverpool FC. We don't have three years to renew everybody and start again. So I think it starts now and we are there again. It's a long season."