Liverpool have already signed two players since appointing Andoni Iraola as new manager, but the Reds boss is hoping to make more signings before the summer transfer window closes.
Andoni Iraola held his first press conference (Image: LFCTV)
Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola has opened up about the club’s transfer plans, telling owners Fenway Sports Group: “We need more players.” Iraola, 44, spoke in his first press conference since taking over on a two-year contract last month.
The former Bournemouth manager replaced Arn Slott, who was sacked after two disappointing seasons as a featured player at Anfield. Liverpool have brought in centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and left-winger Victor Muñoz for a total of £94.5m, but Iraola is hoping to bring in more new players before the summer transfer window closes in September.
“We have already signed two players but we need more players,” Iraola told reporters at Liverpool’s AXA training complex on Monday morning. “The club is working on this.
“As a coach, it’s selfish of me to want my players to be here from day one, but we know it’s not going to work out like this and we’re working hard to get them.”
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The Reds are considering a number of improvements, with right-back a priority. Liverpool will want Jeremy Frimpong and Conor Bradley to protect their positions after both endured injury-hit seasons last season.
For now, Iraola will need to work to the best of his ability, especially with clubs looking to sell players ahead of the World Cup. The Spaniard will give those already eliminated a well-earned break, but Alexis Mac Allister is Liverpool’s only player still in the competition.
“I spoke to the players at the World Cup,” Iraola revealed. “Especially the players who were eliminated were enjoying their time off, so we didn’t want to disturb them while the game was going on, but we had a good talk.
“I used the last few weeks before training to talk to a lot of the people who work here every day. They create a good environment for the players to perform at their best.”
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Andoni Iraola replaces Arne Slott at Liverpool (Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
He added: “I have talked with the players and the staff about what we are working on well and what we want to do better, not different, but differently. I have the advantage and the players know what we want to require in terms of the style of play.”
“I ask the players where they’re comfortable so I can figure that out. I’ll watch them train and do some tests in pre-season and then I’ll make a decision from there.”
Asked about the impact of the World Cup, Iraola admitted: “We can’t change that. They deserve three weeks off to enjoy time with their friends and family.”
“They need some rest after a busy season and I think we’re looking at positive things. I’ve previously spent a week watching the U21 first team players and some of them are improving.”
“I’ve seen that some of the guys here today are ready for tomorrow’s test, so I’ve been in contact with all the players, the younger players, the loan players, to get more time on the pitch. The academy players, you might not normally know them, but now you can get to know them more.”
Liverpool’s players are expected to return to pre-season training on Tuesday before flying out of the United States later this month. Opponents include Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United.
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