Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola celebrates after the match
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola celebrates after the match
Liverpool are looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats when they travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Andoni Iraola facing another important test in his first season at Anfield.
The Reds suffered losses against Arsenal and Fenerbahce over the past week, bringing an end to a positive run of results and raising fresh questions about their consistency and solidity.
However, with the January transfer window approaching, Liverpool have an opportunity to address areas of their squad that could benefit from further competition.
Andoni Iraola demands Liverpool response after successive defeats
munoz-liverpool
Liverpool head to Selhurst Park hoping to return to winning ways before the November international break, with Iraola admitting that the mood around the club had changed considerably following their recent setbacks.
"I think that's the challenge, especially in a club like Liverpool. One week ago in this same press conference, we were on a run, everything was in a good place and we were in a better mood.
And now, two defeats, it changes. It has to change and it has to be like this in a club like ours. Now we have to react after two defeats."
The Liverpool boss also urged supporters to maintain perspective as his side continue adapting to his methods.
"We are not as bad as we look today, we were not as good as we looked one week ago.
"We have to have some perspective and this is part of my challenge also in terms of mood for the group."
Liverpool's preparations have been complicated by fresh injury concerns, with Ryan Gravenberch missing Wednesday's Champions League defeat to Fenerbahce after suffering a heel problem.
The midfielder remained at the AXA Training Centre for treatment rather than travelling to Turkey, leaving his involvement against Crystal Palace uncertain.
Jeremie Frimpong is also recovering from a muscle injury sustained shortly after coming on against Brentford, while Conor Bradley remains sidelined following knee surgery in January.
Liverpool hold talks over January move for Barcelona's Alejandro Balde
alejandro-balde-barcelona
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, via Sport Witness, Liverpool are among the clubs involved in discussions with Jorge Mendes over a potential January transfer for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde.
The 23-year-old has been handed just 124 minutes across five appearances by Hansi Flick this season.
With João Cancelo and Xavi Espart ahead of him in the pecking order, Balde is now ready to pack his bags and specifically keen on a move to the Premier League.
Mendes has begun speaking to interested clubs about a potential move, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa all informed of the conditions required to sign the Spain international.
andoni-iraola-liverpool-premier-league
Tottenham and Manchester City are also interested in the defender, but neither are named as having held dicussions with Mendes. Further movement from Spurs and City could depend on departures during the winter transfer window.
Barcelona are reportedly willing to sell Balde for approximately €40m (£33m), although Mendes is eyeing a loan agreement with an option to buy.
Liverpool should prioritise right-back signing over Alejandro Balde
Liverpool's Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong
Liverpool's Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong
Although Balde would represent an exciting addition, with former Barca boss Xavi labelling the youngster a "revelation", there is an argument that Liverpool would be better served strengthening the opposite side of their defence.
The Reds already have Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas available at left-back, providing Iraola with two established options in the position despite both players struggling for consistency.
At right-back, however, Liverpool face a different problem.
Jeremie Frimpong has struggled to establish himself since joining the club, with his attacking qualities arguably better suited to a wing-back role than a traditional position in a back four.
The Dutchman has also suffered injury problems, leaving Liverpool heavily reliant on Conor Bradley, whose own fitness record has become a growing concern.
Season Injury Days out Games missed
2025/26 Knee surgery 316 42
2025/26 Muscle injury 16 4
2025/26 Hamstring injury 26 2
2024/25 Minor knock 10 1
2024/25 Muscle injury 44 9
2024/25 Hamstring injury 38 8
2024/25 Unknown injury 11 3
2023/24 Ankle injury 22 4
2023/24 Back injury 128 25
Speaking about the Northern Ireland international in September, Iraola admitted that a return was still some way off.
"I think he is not close to training with the team. He's training alone but he has started touching the ball. Definitely I want him as quick as possible ready but it's a long-term injury."
Bradley's repeated setbacks have made it difficult for Liverpool to establish consistency at right-back, particularly with Frimpong also unavailable for significant periods.
While Balde could provide valuable competition for Kerkez and Tsimikas, Liverpool's more immediate concern may be ensuring Iraola has a reliable option on the right.