Andoni Iraola addresses Barcola, Gakpo, Isak and Liverpool's Fulham test
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola faced the media on Friday ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Fulham at Anfield, with several questions centred on player fitness, Liverpool's encouraging start to the season and the areas he believes his side still need to improve.
The Reds enter the fixture after securing their first Champions League victory of the campaign, beating Atlético Madrid 2-1 at Anfield on Wednesday. Liverpool had previously recorded their first Premier League win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
Iraola's side have therefore made a positive start under the new manager, although the Spaniard was keen to stress that there is still considerable room for improvement.
Bradley Barcola injury update
One of the first major questions concerned Bradley Barcola, who was withdrawn during the second half against Atlético Madrid after appearing to experience discomfort.
Iraola moved quickly to ease concerns, explaining that the winger was suffering from cramp rather than an injury.
"Barcola was just cramps," Iraola said, while explaining that Liverpool would assess his condition during Friday's training session.
The manager added that he expected Barcola to be available for Fulham if everything went normally.
The update will come as a relief to Liverpool supporters, particularly after Barcola made his first start for the club against Atlético following his summer move.
What is the situation with Cody Gakpo?
Cody Gakpo was another major topic during the press conference.
The Netherlands international missed the Champions League victory after experiencing a minor adductor problem following Liverpool's win over Ipswich.
Asked whether Gakpo would be fit to face Fulham, Iraola said Liverpool would make a decision after assessing him in training.
"Cody, we will see. We will try today and see if he is ready for tomorrow or if we need to wait until the next one," he explained.
That leaves Gakpo as a doubt for the Anfield fixture, with Liverpool taking a cautious approach rather than risking the forward before he is fully ready.
Liverpool need to improve their starts
Iraola was also asked about Liverpool's tendency to concede the first goal in matches.
The Reds have had to come from behind against Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Atlético Madrid, although they eventually rescued points against Newcastle and Forest and completed a comeback against Atlético.
The manager believes Liverpool need to become more efficient at the beginning of matches.
"We have goal," Iraola explained, pointing out that Liverpool scored twice in each of their previous two matches and could have scored more.
However, he admitted that the timing of those goals needs to improve.
"I would like us to score the first goal and make everything simpler," he said.
Iraola used the Ipswich match as an example of the kind of start he wants from his team. Liverpool scored twice inside the opening 10 minutes at Portman Road and were subsequently able to manage the game more comfortably.
The message from the manager was clear: Liverpool have enough attacking quality, but they need to start matches with greater concentration and purpose.
Iraola's assessment of Fulham
Fulham arrive at Anfield without a Premier League victory from their opening three matches, but Iraola warned against reading too much into their results.
He stressed that only three league matches have been played and believes it is too early to draw firm conclusions about Fulham's season.
According to Iraola, Fulham have actually shown encouraging aspects despite their defeats.
He pointed to their ability to control games, retain possession and remain comfortable with the ball.
The Liverpool manager therefore expects a competitive match rather than assuming Fulham's poor results will make Saturday's game straightforward.
Fulham have conceded seven goals across their first three league matches, but their performances have shown enough for Iraola to believe Liverpool will have to be prepared for a side capable of causing problems.
Alexander Isak's impressive start
Alexander Isak was another key subject.
The Swedish striker has quickly made an impact after returning from a lengthy injury absence, scoring twice in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Ipswich.
Iraola was pleased with the striker's progress, although he made it clear that Isak's contribution cannot simply be judged by his goals.
The manager believes Isak is increasingly settling into the team and regaining confidence after spending much of the previous season injured.
His two goals against Ipswich have already matched his early scoring benchmark, but Iraola's focus is on the striker's overall development and integration into the team's playing style.
With Hugo Ekitiké still unavailable, Isak's fitness and consistency will be particularly important to Liverpool in the coming weeks.
Hugo Ekitiké's recovery
Iraola was also asked about Ekitiké's recovery.
The France international remains sidelined with the Achilles injury that has kept him out since April, and Liverpool are not putting a precise return date on his recovery.
Iraola indicated that Ekitiké's return will come later than the upcoming September/October international-break period.
"I think it's difficult with these long-term injuries, I think he's still far [away].
"But we had a meeting with the medical department to analyse when we completed the [squad] list for the European games. There is a reasonable chance that he could help us in the last two games of the group stages.
"But it's still very early to say. It's very early because it's a long-term injury [and] a big part of the rehab [he] is still to meet. But if we decide to put him there, it is because there is a hope and there is a realistic chance that he could help us in January."
The manager has previously suggested that the striker's recovery could extend considerably further into the season, meaning Liverpool will have to manage their attacking options carefully while he remains unavailable.
Ronald Araújo's adaptation
Ronald Araújo's performances have also caught Iraola's attention.
The Uruguay international has been used in a different role from the one he has predominantly occupied during his career, but Iraola believes the move to Liverpool has benefited the defender.
He praised Araújo's response to the change and his ability to contribute even when playing outside his natural position.
Araújo has already demonstrated his versatility since joining Liverpool and has given Iraola another option when selecting his defensive line.
The manager's comments suggest that his tactical flexibility will continue to be an important part of Liverpool's approach.
Alexis Mac Allister's importance
Iraola was also asked about Alexis Mac Allister following the midfielder's impressive performance against Atlético Madrid.
Mac Allister scored Liverpool's second goal to complete the comeback and has become an important figure within a relatively new-look squad.
Iraola highlighted the Argentine's experience and influence, particularly within a team containing several younger players and new arrivals.
His experience can provide Liverpool with stability while the squad continues adapting to the manager's demands.
Competition for places
The Liverpool manager also touched on the competition within his attacking group.
With Barcola, Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Muñoz among the options available to him, Iraola has several players competing for minutes.
He previously explained that Gakpo remains highly valued but that competition for places is healthy for the squad.
Players may start matches, come off the bench or occasionally miss out altogether, with Iraola believing that competition should push everyone to improve.
That competition could become particularly important as Liverpool balance Premier League and Champions League commitments.
Iraola refuses to look too far ahead
Despite Liverpool's unbeaten start under him, Iraola remains focused on gradual improvement rather than making early-season declarations.
Liverpool have taken points from their opening league fixtures and followed their first Premier League victory with a Champions League win over Atlético Madrid.
However, the manager continues to identify areas that require improvement, particularly the team's starts to matches.
His message ahead of Fulham was therefore one of cautious confidence.
Liverpool have attacking quality, several players returning to fitness and growing competition throughout the squad. But Iraola believes the team still needs to become more consistent in how it begins matches and manages different phases of games.
Saturday's meeting with Fulham will provide another opportunity to demonstrate that progress.
Liverpool will be looking to make it back-to-back Premier League victories at Anfield, while Iraola will hope his team can finally produce the kind of controlled start he has been demanding.
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