A breakdown of Andoni Iraola's press conference ahead of the Reds' trip to Ipswich Town
In his latest pre-match press conference at the AXA Training Centre ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Ipswich Town, head coach Andoni Iraola focused heavily on the closure of the transfer window, the integration of £123m signing Bradley Barcola, and crucial squad fitness updates.
Iraola expressed his relief and comfort that the transfer market is finally closed, stating, "We know who we are... now we have to perform." While acknowledging that the club explored other transfer options that they ultimately decided against for sporting or economic reasons, he insisted he is "very happy" with the squad at his disposal and the quality he has to develop.
● On Liverpool’s Dealings during the summer transfer window: "I am very happy with the signings we made. Do I want more signings? At the end the club has decided those signings we have done are the ones that will improve our team. There were other options we decided not to take for different reasons, sometimes sporting or economical, the deal didn't make sense in the market. But I'm happy now. Have a lot of quality in the team. Moment is for the players to give it all they have.
● On right-back and centre-midfield cover: "Challenge in the squad now is we don't have Conor there at right-back. That's why I value Dom at right-back as he can play there. Versatility in the player helps us go through the moments when we have injuries.
"In midfield we have good numbers. Now it's a matter of getting the right calls from myself. I'm finding now the best combinations and we are going through a period now where we will play a lot of games and we'll have a chance to see the options we have and the combinations we have. It's a matter of coaching."
● On Dominik Szoboszlai switching roles: I haven't found any situation where a player has said he doesn't want to play in a position. We have discussions but everyone wants to help. If we have to play Dom as a right winger, as a right-back or a midfielder, he wants to help the team first. We have some injuries now and we need the versatility of the players, players like Dom. Even in the game they have to change positions.
● On Bradley Barcola: He hailed the Frenchman's attitude, noting that winger specifically "wanted Liverpool a lot," which he viewed as an excellent first sign. While confirming Barcola is physically available for a potential debut on Friday, Iraola noted a decision is still pending on whether he will start, given his lack of pre-season match minutes.
"Good question. I see him in a good place. He has trained for us, it's true he hasn't had minutes in pre-season. He has been training and it's a decision we have to make. But we have to consider he hasn't had minutes in pre-season games."
● On Keeping Cody Gakpo: Iraola shared his delight at keeping Gakpo following late-window interest from Manchester City. He praised the Dutch forward as a "very smart player" who has been in an excellent physical and mental space throughout pre-season.
"My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning. He has played very well for us so far. He was always aware of the situation in the market, we were constantly talking, I hope we can keep him at the same level. He is in a good place physically and mentally and I'm very happy to pick him."
● On Right-wing forward concerns: We know Rio can play on the left and showed his qualities. He needs to develop on the right so it gives him more options to play. He is so young, because he wasn't incredible in the first game on the right we can't say he will never play on the right anymore. Victor has played more games on the left in his career but has maybe been even better on the right. Sometimes it's a matter of the
● Injury Updates: Iraola delivered a comprehensive five-man squad update. Joe Gomez is the closest to returning and is scheduled to rejoin team training next week. Giovanni Leoni and Federico Chiesa are expected to begin training with the group during the upcoming international break, while Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitiké face much longer rehabilitation periods.
"Closest one is Joe. He will start training with us next week.Next one is Leoni, he could be training during the break with the group. Conor and especially Hugo longer."
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