Liverpool faces Man City this weekend in the first game of the post-guilty verdict era, and Andoni Iraola could really do with a statement victory to kickstart his reign
Andoni Iraola, the Liverpool head coach, during a training session.
Andoni Iraola, the Liverpool head coach, during a training session.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca was insistent, as he faced the media for the first time since the guilty Manchester City verdict emerged, that nothing would change heading into this weekend's game with Liverpool.
The Italian, who was previously assistant coach to Pep Guardiola, said that he would "100 percent" still have taken the job this summer had he known what verdict was coming, and that it "absolutely" doesn't diminish Manchester City's title victories.
In reality, though, Liverpool vs Manchester City, while it has always been a huge fixture, has taken on a new significance this Sunday. The team that was most wronged by the Etihad side's cheating will want to lay down a marker.
While Iraola is unbeaten at Liverpool so far, there have been mixed results. Draws with Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Fulham mean that the Reds are playing catch-up points-wise already.
A win in a game of this magnitude, however, could alter the course of the campaign. If Liverpool can win, it would send a message; it would be a statement far beyond three points.
Early in Jurgen Klopp's spell at Liverpool, his side demolished Manchester City at the Etihad. Now, how Iraola could do with a similar result to kickstart his new era.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during a training session at AXA Training Centre
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during a training session at AXA Training Centre(Image: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
It is impossible to know exactly what impact the Manchester City guilty verdict will have on its players. It could foster a backs-to-the-wall environment, or it could see a dramatic drop-off.
After all, if a hefty punishment — a points deduction or a flat-out expulsion from the division — is imminent, then what is the point of putting in 100 percent for the time being? Maresca might argue otherwise, but there will unquestionably be an impact of some sort.
Jamie Carragher posited this week that Iraola might be under more pressure if Manchester City is removed from the Premier League, as the gap between Arsenal and clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea would become more noticeable.
But instead, the Spaniard has to view this as a golden opportunity. This weekend, the focus will be on his side getting a positive result against Manchester City — and beyond that, it has the capacity to kick on.
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Anfield will expect a full-throttle performance, and his Liverpool side simply has to deliver it to an even higher degree than it already has, regardless of some crucial injury concerns. Do that, though, and momentum can build quickly.
Chasing Arsenal down this season would be a tough task for a Liverpool side lacking in depth in key areas, but it cannot be ruled out. While it feels like a lifetime ago now, the Gunners were hammered 3-0 at Brighton before the internationals.
Liverpool, meanwhile, with a head of steam and a bit more confidence, has three £100M-plus players in its attack, and a defense that is starting to look more stable.
There is still a long way to go before Iraola's team is playing exactly how he wants. With doubts regarding Manchester City's future, though, Liverpool has to be well-placed to take advantage. This weekend is the first chance to prove it.