Whatever happens at Anfield today, I think Liverpool supporters need to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
Of course, I desperately want us to beat Arsenal. There is nothing better than seeing Liverpool win a massive game, especially against one of our biggest rivals.
But whether we take all three points, settle for a draw or suffer a defeat, my opinion won’t change.
Liverpool are still a work in progress, and I would be surprised if we were genuine Premier League title challengers this season.
Andoni Iraola is building something at Anfield, but he needs time, patience and the opportunity to bring in players who fit exactly what he wants from his team.
Iraola Needs Time to Build His Own Liverpool Team
One of the biggest mistakes supporters can make is expecting a new manager to walk through the door and immediately turn everything around.
Iraola inherited a squad that had been through a difficult period, and he is now trying to introduce his own footballing identity.
There have already been encouraging signs.
The intensity has improved, Liverpool look more organised defensively, and several players appear to be benefiting from the manager’s methods.
We have also seen youngsters such as Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni given opportunities, which is something I have wanted to see more of.
But there is still plenty of work to do.
Iraola needs time on the training ground, time to understand his players even better and, importantly, time to reshape the squad.
Liverpool Still Need Players Who Fit His System
I don’t believe this squad is quite where it needs to be yet.
There are players who have performed well, others who are still finding their feet, and some positions where Liverpool could clearly improve.
The midfield remains an area I would like to see strengthened. We need more consistency, physical presence and someone capable of giving the team that defensive protection when games become difficult.
There are also decisions to be made elsewhere in the squad.
Iraola should be allowed to identify the players he believes can take Liverpool forward. That means bringing in his own targets, moving players on where necessary and building a squad suited to the way he wants to play.
You cannot expect a manager to deliver his long-term vision without giving him the tools to do it.
There Are Plenty of Reasons to Be Optimistic
I am certainly not being negative about Liverpool’s future.
In fact, there is plenty to be excited about.
Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola give Liverpool some outstanding attacking options. Ronald Araujo has strengthened the right-back position, while the emergence of Nyoni and Rio gives us genuine reasons to be excited about the younger players.
I also think we are beginning to see what Iraola wants from this team.
The pressing is improving, the players look more aggressive and there is a greater willingness to take the game to the opposition.
But improvement does not automatically mean a title challenge is around the corner.
We need consistency over an entire season, better performances against different types of opposition and a squad capable of dealing with injuries and the demands of competing on several fronts.
That takes time.
Arsenal Are a Huge Test, But One Result Changes Nothing
Today’s game against Arsenal is a massive opportunity to make a statement.
A victory would give everyone another reason to believe in what Iraola is building. It would show that Liverpool can compete with one of the strongest sides in the country.
But losing wouldn’t suddenly mean the project is failing either.
Arsenal are an established team with a manager who has had years to build his squad and develop his methods.
Liverpool are at a different stage of their journey.
We should judge Iraola on the progress he makes over time, not simply on the result of one afternoon at Anfield.
Naturally, I want to see Liverpool win. I want the players to give everything, the supporters to create an incredible atmosphere and Arsenal to leave with nothing.
But whatever the final score, we need to keep perspective.
Give Iraola the Time and Back Him in the Transfer Market
For me, this is the most important point.
Liverpool must resist the temptation to make knee-jerk decisions based on short-term results.
If the club genuinely believe Iraola is the man to take us forward, then they need to support him properly.
That means giving him time to develop the players already here and backing him when it comes to recruitment.
He needs to build a team that reflects his ideas, not simply try to squeeze every existing player into a system that might not suit them.
I would love to see Liverpool challenging for the Premier League title, but I would be surprised if we got there this season.
My expectations are more realistic: keep improving, secure Champions League football, compete for the cups and continue building a squad capable of challenging for the biggest honours.
Win, lose or draw against Arsenal, I am not changing my view. Liverpool are a work in progress, Iraola needs time, and I want to see the club give him the backing to build his own team.
There is plenty of potential at Anfield. Let’s be patient and see just how far this manager can take us.
Jamie
(The Kopite View)
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