Andoni Iraola is tasked with getting Liverpool back into the top flight, but two of his squad who know how to win the Premier League title could leave Anfield.
Andoni Iraola reveals his stance (Image: Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has made it clear that he wants to keep both Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson Becker at the club. A summer of change at Anfield is further complicated by rumors of a move for both players, with Liverpool having already said goodbye to two senior players in Mo Salah and Andy Robertson.
Iraola has been appointed as Arne Slott’s replacement and will take over a team that had just won the Premier League title this time last year. However, both Mac Allister and Alisson had indifferent seasons, with the latter frequently plagued by injuries.
Alisson, 33, was linked with a move to Juventus earlier this summer, but was tempted by the offer of a long-term contract. Mac Allister, on the other hand, has two years left on his contract with Liverpool, and has been linked with a sensational move to rivals Manchester United or Real Madrid.
But Iraola made his position clear at a press conference in Chicago as Liverpool prepare to begin their pre-season tour of the United States. “I think Alexis has been one of the best players at the club over the last few years and he did very well at the World Cup, so it’s normal that other clubs want our best players,” explained the Reds manager.
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“That’s always the case in other markets, but I want to keep the good players. I’m looking forward to signing new players rather than losing the players we have here.”
Regarding Alisson’s future, Iraola said: “We are very happy with our current situation in the goalkeeping area. Alisson is also a player in a dressing room that has missed the mark in terms of experience.”
“I think he is someone who will definitely help us in the adaptation process of new players, new players and young players. We need references like Virgil (van Dijk), Alisson, Joe Gomez, players who have been here for a long time.”
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The futures of Alisson Becker and Alexis Mac Allister have been the subject of speculation (Image: Daniel Derajinski/Icon Sport)
As for who Liverpool are looking to sign, the Spaniard admitted the team’s defense is “very thin”. “I think we’re very thin right now in terms of defensive depth, with the centre-back and right-back situation, so I think that’s the solution we’re trying to find,” Iraola added.
Liverpool begin their pre-season tour on Saturday against Sunderland in Nashville, before facing Wrexham and Leeds United in New York and Chicago respectively next week. They will welcome Monaco and Como to Anfield next month.
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