The Kopite View

Liverpool came through their impressive Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid without adding another major injury to an already lengthy list of absentees.

The Reds secured a huge 2-1 win at Anfield in midweek, but attention now quickly turns to Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Fulham.

Andoni Iraola still has several players unavailable, although there are also some positive developments with players beginning to work their way back into contention.

Barcola expected to be available

Bradley Barcola was forced off during his full debut against Atlético after suffering cramp, but thankfully there is no injury concern surrounding the Frenchman.

Iraola confirmed that Barcola should be available for Fulham provided everything went normally in Friday’s training session.

“There’s no injury. He should be available if everything goes normal.”

That will be a relief for Liverpool, particularly given the lack of options currently available across the forward positions.

Barcola may not necessarily be asked to start again after playing an hour in midweek, but Iraola should at least have him available for the squad.

Gakpo remains the biggest doubt

Cody Gakpo is the more significant concern.

The Netherlands international missed the Atlético game after suffering some adductor discomfort during the win over Ipswich.

Iraola had hoped he would be able to train on Friday before making a decision on whether he could feature against Fulham.

“He didn’t train yesterday. Today, we will try with him and let’s see if he’s ready for tomorrow or we need to wait for the next one.”

Liverpool certainly don’t need to take unnecessary risks with Gakpo this early in the season.

With another game coming up quickly, Iraola has options in attack and may decide that allowing Gakpo another few days to recover is the sensible approach.

Gomez is closing in on a return

Joe Gomez is another player who could potentially return to the matchday squad.

The defender has been sidelined since the summer with a muscle problem but returned to team training earlier this week.

Iraola had previously suggested Gomez could be back before the international break, so a place on the bench against Fulham would represent another positive step in his recovery.

His return would be particularly welcome given Liverpool’s defensive workload and the number of games still to come.

Long-term absentees remain out

There is less encouraging news regarding the players who remain on the longer-term injury list.

Federico Chiesa remains unavailable, while Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are also still working their way back.

Hugo Ekitike is expected to be sidelined for considerably longer after suffering an Achilles injury.

However, there has been a fascinating update regarding the French striker.

Iraola revealed that Liverpool’s medical department believes there is a realistic chance Ekitike could potentially contribute in the final two Champions League league-phase matches in January.

Liverpool face Inter Milan on January 19 before travelling to face Lens on January 27.

Iraola was careful to stress that it remains far too early to make any promises, but the fact Ekitike was included in the European squad suggests there is genuine hope that he could return towards the end of the league phase.

“It’s still very early to say because it’s a long-term injury. A big part of the recovery is still to be met.”

That’s an important distinction. Liverpool won’t rush Ekitike back, but having him potentially available in January would provide Iraola with a huge boost.

Liverpool’s squad for Fulham

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman

Defenders: Van Dijk, Araújo, Jacquet, Gomez*, Kerkez, Frimpong, Tsimikas, Chambers

Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Endo, McConnell

Forwards: Gakpo*, Munoz, Ngumoha, Isak, Barcola*, Koumas, Danns

* Doubt

Liverpool therefore still have plenty of quality available to Iraola, despite the injury list.

The biggest question will be whether Gakpo is fit enough to make the squad, while Barcola should be available and Gomez could potentially take another step towards a first appearance of the season.

After beating Atlético in midweek, Liverpool will want to maintain that momentum against Fulham.

And with the long-term injury situation thankfully showing signs of improvement rather than getting worse, there is reason for Iraola to remain positive.

Source: Liverpool FC

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool may already have identified another midfielder to keep a very close eye on ahead of next summer.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool remain interested in Inter Milan midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, after making an enquiry about the 21-year-old during negotiations surrounding Curtis Jones.

The Reds explored whether Stankovic could potentially move in the opposite direction as part of the discussions, but Inter ultimately decided they wanted to keep hold of the midfielder for the season.

That decision could prove significant.

Liverpool are expected to reassess their midfield options in 2027, and Stankovic is reportedly firmly on their list of players they will continue to monitor.

Liverpool clearly liked what they saw

The fact Liverpool asked about Stankovic during the Jones negotiations suggests this wasn’t simply a case of throwing a name into the conversation.

The Reds had already done their homework on the young midfielder and apparently saw enough to investigate whether a deal could be possible.

That makes the situation particularly interesting.

Liverpool’s midfield has undergone plenty of change over the past couple of years, and with the club continuing to plan for the future, it makes sense that they are already looking at players who could potentially become long-term options.

Stankovic is still only 21, meaning Liverpool would be looking at a player with plenty of room to develop rather than someone expected to immediately walk into the starting XI.

The Curtis Jones connection is intriguing

There is also an interesting twist to this story given that the enquiry came during talks over Jones.

Inter ultimately got their man, but Liverpool apparently used the negotiations to explore the possibility of bringing Stankovic to Anfield.

That tells you something about the club’s recruitment thinking.

Liverpool aren’t simply looking at established stars. They are also keeping tabs on younger midfielders who could potentially develop into important first-team players.

And with the club expected to reassess the position again in 2027, Stankovic could become a name worth remembering.

For now, Liverpool will simply continue monitoring his progress.

But the fact they have already made an enquiry means he is clearly on their radar.

If Stankovic develops as Liverpool hope, don’t be surprised if the Reds return for him further down the line.

Source: TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk)

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool may have uncovered one of the bargains of the summer — but if they want to keep Ronald Araújo beyond this season, they will have to negotiate with Barcelona all over again.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Araújo’s move to Liverpool is a straight loan with no buy option, meaning there is no pre-agreed fee that would allow the Reds to automatically make his move permanent.

Instead, Liverpool will have to sit down with Barcelona at the end of the season and negotiate a deal if they decide they want to keep the Uruguay international.

That could prove to be a very interesting situation.

Araújo arrived at Anfield as an experienced central defender who could also operate at right-back, and he has already shown just how valuable that versatility can be.

Liverpool officially confirmed his season-long loan from Barcelona in August, with the defender arriving after making more than 200 appearances for the Catalan club.

And his early performances have certainly given Liverpool plenty to think about.

Under Andoni Iraola, Araújo has already demonstrated that he can adapt quickly to the demands of English football.

His defensive qualities were obvious from the beginning, but his performances at right-back have been particularly encouraging.

Against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, he produced one of his most impressive displays yet, even providing the assist for Dominik Szoboszlai with a brilliant backheel.

That performance only strengthened the argument that Liverpool could have a serious decision to make next summer.

Araújo has also impressed Iraola, who has praised his ability to adapt to different defensive roles and highlighted the positive impact the move has had on the player’s mentality.

And that is where things get interesting.

Liverpool don’t have a guaranteed £55 million option sitting in the contract that they can simply activate.

There had previously been reports of a purchase option being included in the loan agreement, including reports that it was worth €55 million.

But Romano’s latest information suggests the situation is different: there is no buy option, and Liverpool would have to negotiate a fee with Barcelona if they want to keep him.

That potentially gives Barcelona considerable leverage.

If Araújo continues to perform at this level throughout the season, his value may only increase.

Liverpool will therefore have to decide whether they want to make a significant investment in a player who will be 28 next March — or whether they believe they can find a younger alternative elsewhere.

For now, though, Liverpool supporters should simply enjoy watching Araújo develop in an unfamiliar environment.

He has already shown that he can play centre-back.

He has shown he can play right-back.

He has demonstrated his defensive strength.

And now he is showing that he can contribute at the other end of the pitch too.

If he continues like this, the biggest question surrounding Araújo next summer may not be whether Liverpool want to keep him.

It may be whether Barcelona are willing to let him go for a price Liverpool consider reasonable.

For now, there is no permanent deal agreed.

But if Araújo keeps producing performances like these, Liverpool may have a very difficult decision to make when the season ends.

A loan deal with no buy option could eventually turn into one of the most interesting transfer situations at Anfield.

Source: Fabrizio Romano

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool appear to be entering the final stages of deciding who will become the club’s new Sporting Director.

According to Wilson Cox LFC, Mike Gordon is leading the process, with both internal candidates and potential candidates from elsewhere still under consideration.

Amit Bhatia has also had some input into the shortlist, but the final decision remains firmly with Liverpool’s ownership.

That makes this a particularly interesting appointment for the club.

The Sporting Director role is hugely important at Liverpool, particularly with the club continuing to develop its football structure and looking to build for the future.

There are familiar names among the internal candidates.

Julian Ward and David Woodfine are both understood to be under consideration.

Ward would certainly be a fascinating option given his previous experience at Liverpool. He was heavily involved in the club’s recruitment structure before eventually leaving the role, and his knowledge of Liverpool’s football operation could make him an obvious candidate.

Woodfine is another name who knows the club extremely well and has considerable experience behind the scenes.

However, Liverpool are also considering candidates from outside the club.

Interestingly, the identities of those external candidates are currently only known within the club’s senior leadership.

That suggests Liverpool are keeping the process particularly tight-lipped until a decision has been made.

And that decision could now be coming soon.

For supporters, whoever gets the job will have an important responsibility.

Liverpool have already shown under Andoni Iraola that there is plenty to be excited about on the pitch, but maintaining and improving the squad will require strong recruitment decisions behind the scenes.

The recent concerns over squad depth have also highlighted just how important recruitment will be.

Liverpool have an excellent starting team, but there is still work to do to ensure the squad is strong enough to compete across every competition.

The new Sporting Director will therefore have a major role in helping Iraola develop the squad, identifying future targets and ensuring Liverpool remain ahead of their rivals in the transfer market.

With Mike Gordon leading the process and ownership having the final say, Liverpool now appear to be very close to finding the person they believe is right for the next stage of the club’s development.

Whether that is a familiar face in Julian Ward or David Woodfine, or a completely new name from outside the club, supporters may not have to wait much longer to find out.

A decision is expected soon — and it could be one of the most important appointments Liverpool make this season.

Source: Wilson Cox LFC

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Are people genuinely having a Declan Rice vs Graeme Souness debate?

Because if we are, I’m not sure what we’re doing anymore.

Declan Rice is an excellent footballer. There is no argument about that.

He is one of the best midfielders of his generation, an outstanding athlete and a player who has developed enormously over the years.

But comparing him with Graeme Souness when discussing the greatest midfielders ever to play in this country is absolutely absurd.

It’s not even close.

In fact, the comparison feels so ridiculous that it would be like comparing Rickie Lambert with Luis Suárez.

That’s not meant as an insult to Rice.

It’s about the level Souness reached during his career.

Souness wasn’t simply a very good midfielder.

He was one of the defining midfielders of his era.

At Liverpool, he was a key figure in one of the most dominant teams English football has ever seen. He won multiple league titles, European Cups and domestic trophies while establishing himself as one of the most complete and influential midfielders around.

He could tackle.

He could pass.

He could dictate games.

He could score.

He could intimidate opponents.

And he had that mentality you associate with the very best players.

Souness wasn’t just there to play football.

He wanted to impose himself on the match.

That’s what made him special.

Rice, meanwhile, is building an excellent career of his own.

There is absolutely no doubt that he has become a top-level midfielder.

His physical ability, ball carrying, defensive work and improving attacking contribution make him one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League today.

But today’s level and all-time greatness are two completely different conversations.

If we’re asking who is currently one of the best midfielders in the country, Rice belongs in that conversation.

If we’re asking whether he is already greater than Graeme Souness, that’s another matter entirely.

Souness has the trophies.

He has the longevity.

He has the European pedigree.

He has the influence.

And, perhaps most importantly, he has the historical significance.

Liverpool supporters of a certain generation will tell you exactly how good Souness was.

He wasn’t simply another member of those great Liverpool teams.

He was one of the players who made them great.

That’s why these comparisons need a little perspective.

Football changes.

The role of a midfielder changes.

The demands placed on modern players are different.

And Rice deserves enormous credit for what he has achieved.

But let’s not rewrite history because a current player is having an outstanding spell.

Declan Rice is an excellent midfielder.

Graeme Souness was an all-time great.

And if we’re genuinely having a conversation about the greatest midfielders ever to play football in this country, Souness belongs near the very top of that list.

Rice has plenty of time to build his legacy.

But he’s got a hell of a way to go before he catches Souness.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

It feels good to be excited about watching Liverpool again.

There is something different about this Liverpool under Andoni Iraola.

The football is aggressive, positive and attacking. There is a clear desire to take the game to the opposition rather than simply control possession and hope something happens.

And, as Liverpool supporters, that is what we want to see.

We want to watch a team that makes us jump out of our seats.

We want attacking football.

We want players running at defenders, creating chances and taking risks.

And under Iraola, Liverpool are starting to look like a team that wants to do exactly that.

There is still plenty of work to do, of course, but there is already a feeling that this Liverpool side could be genuinely exciting to watch.

The quality is certainly there.

Liverpool have an excellent starting eleven, with some outstanding attacking options and a midfield that looks capable of controlling games while also providing the energy Iraola demands.

The likes of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have added another dimension, while the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and the midfield options give Iraola plenty of attacking quality.

There is a lot to like.

But there is one concern that became particularly obvious against Atlético Madrid.

The squad isn’t quite as strong as the starting eleven.

Liverpool’s substitutes were unable to make the sort of impact you would ideally want when the game became stretched.

That is not necessarily a criticism of the individual players coming off the bench. It is more about the overall depth available to Iraola.

When you’re competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups, you need to be able to change a game from the bench.

You need players capable of coming on after 60 or 70 minutes and maintaining — or even increasing — the intensity.

Against Atlético, Liverpool needed that extra injection of quality and energy late in the game, but the drop-off from the starting players was noticeable.

And that could become an issue as the season progresses.

Liverpool have a very good first team.

But the difference between having a good starting eleven and having a complete squad can be enormous over a long season.

Injuries, suspensions, fatigue and fixture congestion are inevitable.

Hugo Ekitike’s long-term absence is another example of how quickly squad depth can be tested.

The encouraging thing is that Iraola appears to have Liverpool playing football that supporters can get behind again.

There is an identity developing.

There is intensity.

There is attacking intent.

And, perhaps most importantly, there is excitement.

After watching Liverpool become increasingly predictable at times last season, it is refreshing to see a team prepared to play on the front foot and entertain.

But if Liverpool genuinely want to compete for the biggest trophies, the squad will eventually need to match the quality of the starting eleven.

The Atlético Madrid game was a reminder of that.

Liverpool have the players to beat the best teams in Europe.

They have a manager who clearly wants them to attack and play with personality.

They have some outstanding new additions.

But they cannot afford to rely on the same core group of players for the entire campaign.

Iraola has made Liverpool exciting again.

Now the challenge is making sure he has enough quality behind his best eleven to keep that excitement going all season.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool supporters may have to wait until the new year to see Hugo Ekitike back in action, but Andoni Iraola has provided a small boost by revealing that the striker could yet feature in the final two Champions League games of the opening stage.

Ekitike is currently recovering from a long-term injury, leaving Liverpool without one of their most exciting attacking options as Iraola begins to shape his team.

Given the nature of the injury and the rehabilitation required, there is understandably no desire from Liverpool to rush his return.

However, Iraola has revealed that the club’s medical department has already considered the possibility of Ekitike returning before the Champions League league phase comes to an end.

Speaking about the striker, Iraola explained:

“Hugo, it’s difficult with long-term injuries. It’s still far. We had a meeting with all the medical department to analyse and complete the list of European games and there’s a chance he could play in the last two games of the opening stage but it’s too early to say.”

That is perhaps the most encouraging part of the update.

Liverpool have included Ekitike in their European squad because there is a genuine possibility that he could recover in time to contribute before the opening stage finishes.

Iraola stressed that nothing is guaranteed, but added:

“We have put him there as there’s a hope and a realistic chance he could play.”

For Liverpool, that would be a significant boost.

The club have already had to adapt to Ekitike’s absence, with Alexander Isak now shouldering much of the responsibility in the central striker role. Isak has started to find his rhythm under Iraola, scoring twice against Ipswich, while Cody Gakpo has also provided an important attacking outlet.

But Ekitike offers something different.

His movement, pace, ability to link play and willingness to press from the front fit perfectly with the energetic style Iraola wants Liverpool to develop.

That makes the possibility of having him available for the latter stages of the Champions League league phase particularly intriguing.

Liverpool have made a strong start to life under Iraola, including a dramatic 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in their first European game of the campaign.

The priority with Ekitike, though, has to be getting him completely right rather than getting him back quickly.

There is little point taking unnecessary risks with a long-term injury when Liverpool have a squad capable of coping with his absence.

If Ekitike can return around the turn of the year as expected, Liverpool will already have an exciting attacking option waiting to be unleashed.

But if his rehabilitation progresses faster than expected, there is now at least a realistic possibility that supporters could get an earlier glimpse of him in Iraola’s Liverpool.

For now, there is no reason to get carried away.

But the fact Liverpool’s medical team has considered those final two Champions League fixtures — and that Iraola describes a return as a “realistic chance” — gives supporters something to look forward to.

Hugo Ekitike isn’t back yet.

But the countdown may have quietly begun.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s decision to explore the right-back market this summer looks increasingly significant.

According to The Athletic, the Reds considered strengthening in the position amid doubts over Jeremie Frimpong’s early displays, with Marco Palestra among the players assessed before he eventually joined Chelsea.

That tells us something important: Liverpool’s concerns over Frimpong weren’t simply created by his performances this season. The club had already identified the position as one that potentially needed strengthening.

Frimpong arrived with an outstanding reputation from Bayer Leverkusen, but there was always going to be an adjustment period. He excelled as an attacking wing-back in Germany, whereas Liverpool needed him to adapt to different demands and, at times, operate in a more traditional full-back role.

Those concerns apparently went far enough for Liverpool to explore Palestra before Chelsea won the race for his signature.

And then came the attempt to bring in Malo Gusto.

Liverpool reportedly wanted Gusto on loan, but Chelsea were only prepared to consider a permanent departure. That left the Reds without the extra right-back option they had been looking for.

With Conor Bradley still working his way back from injury, the situation has left Liverpool relying heavily on Frimpong. However, Ronald Araújo has excelled since coming into the team at right-back, providing Liverpool with greater defensive security and showing that he can be a highly effective option in the position.

There is no question that Frimpong has enormous ability. His attacking threat, pace and movement can be devastating. But Liverpool need more than attacking quality from their right-back — particularly in a team that wants to dominate possession while also defending transitions.

Araújo’s performances have therefore offered Liverpool an important alternative while also highlighting the level required in the role. His ability to defend, compete physically and contribute to the team’s overall structure has made his impact particularly impressive since moving into the position.

The interesting part is that Liverpool’s recruitment team apparently saw the issue before many supporters did.

They looked at Palestra. They tried for Gusto. Neither deal happened.

Now Frimpong has to show why Liverpool believed he was the right man for the position in the first place, while Araújo’s emergence gives Liverpool another strong option to consider.

Because if those early concerns continue, the decision not to strengthen at right-back could become one of the biggest talking points of Liverpool’s season.

Source: The Athletic 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

One thing has really stood out to me about Liverpool since Andoni Iraola took over.

The resilience is back.

This Liverpool side might still have plenty of things to improve, but there is something about them that feels different.

They don’t seem to panic when things go against them.

They don’t seem to accept defeat when they fall behind.

And already this season, we’ve seen Liverpool come from behind on numerous occasions.

That cannot be a coincidence.

Another comeback against Atlético Madrid

The latest example came against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.

Liverpool fell behind to Marcos Llorente at Anfield, and for a while Atlético looked comfortable.

But instead of allowing frustration to take over, Liverpool responded.

Dominik Szoboszlai equalised before half-time.

Then Alexis Mac Allister completed the comeback early in the second half with a brilliant strike.

Liverpool had turned a difficult situation into a 2-1 victory.

And perhaps the most encouraging part was what happened after they went ahead.

They didn’t simply throw everything forward looking for a third.

They showed enough composure and defensive resilience to protect the lead against a dangerous Atlético side.

That’s something I really like about this Liverpool team.

We’ve seen it before

This wasn’t the first time either.

Liverpool’s opening two Premier League matches under Iraola both finished 2-2.

Against Newcastle, Liverpool twice had to respond after falling behind.

Then against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, Liverpool again found themselves having to fight their way back into the game.

Víctor Muñoz eventually rescued a point.

It wasn’t perfect.

Far from it.

But the important thing was that Liverpool kept going.

They refused to accept that the game was gone.

That’s what I mean by resilience

Resilience isn’t about winning every game.

It’s about how you react when things aren’t going your way.

Last season, there were plenty of occasions when Liverpool looked vulnerable once the momentum shifted against them.

This season, I’m seeing a different attitude.

Concede first? Keep going.

Have a poor spell? Keep going.

Things aren’t going your way? Keep going.

That mentality can be worth an enormous number of points over a long season.

Iraola deserves credit

It’s obviously still very early in Iraola’s Liverpool career.

I’m not going to pretend that everything is suddenly perfect.

There are still defensive issues.

There are still questions over midfield balance.

Liverpool can still become too open and give opponents opportunities they shouldn’t be getting.

But Iraola appears to be instilling something important:

belief.

His Liverpool side play with aggression and intensity, but they also seem to believe they can always get back into a game.

That is a very powerful mentality for a manager to establish.

The players are buying into it

You can see it in the way the players respond.

Against Atlético, Liverpool were initially caught out by Diego Simeone’s tactical approach.

Iraola himself admitted afterwards that he got some things wrong at the start.

But Liverpool adapted.

They improved.

They changed the momentum of the match.

And then they won it.

I actually think that makes the comeback even more impressive.

It wasn’t simply a case of Liverpool throwing everything at Atlético.

They recognised what wasn’t working and fixed it.

That’s a sign of a team beginning to understand its manager.

And there’s plenty more to come

Imagine what this Liverpool team could look like once everything starts clicking.

Alexander Isak is finding his goalscoring form.

Cody Gakpo is creating chances.

Florian Wirtz is becoming more influential.

Bradley Barcola has now arrived and offers another explosive attacking option.

Mac Allister and Szoboszlai are growing into Iraola’s midfield.

And players such as Ronald Araújo and Jérémy Jacquet are beginning to settle into the defence.

There are still plenty of things to improve.

But the ingredients are there.

This could become Liverpool’s biggest strength

For me, this is one of the most encouraging aspects of the Iraola era so far.

Liverpool have their fight back.

We’ve already seen it against Newcastle.

We’ve seen it against Forest.

And now we’ve seen it against Atlético Madrid.

The opponents and circumstances have been different, but the reaction has been similar.

Liverpool get punched.

Liverpool punch back.

And that’s exactly what I want to see from this team.

This Liverpool side won’t give up

We’re still only at the beginning of Iraola’s reign.

There will be bad performances.

There will be defeats.

There will be nights when things simply don’t work.

That’s football.

But if Iraola can maintain this mentality while improving Liverpool’s defensive organisation and midfield balance, this could become a very difficult team to beat.

Because talent is one thing.

Tactics are another.

But character can take you a very long way.

And right now, I’m starting to see that character return to Liverpool.

They might not always get it right.

But they don’t look like a team that is prepared to give up.

And for me, that’s one of the biggest reasons to be excited about the Iraola era. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There are plenty of things Liverpool supporters have already learned about Andoni Iraola.

He is intense.

He is meticulous.

He wants his teams to play with energy, press aggressively and attack with purpose.

But there is another side to Iraola that is perhaps a little more unusual.

He has a matchday superstition that he has carried with him for more than two decades.

And once you know about it, you might start looking for it every time Liverpool play.

Look closely at Iraola’s hands

According to journalist Andy Jones, one of the first things Iraola does when he arrives at the stadium before a match is wrap tape around his right index finger and left middle finger, just above the knuckle.

And this isn’t something he has suddenly started doing.

He has been doing it for years.

In fact, Iraola has apparently carried the habit with him since his days in the Athletic Club academy.

He continued doing it throughout his playing career and into management.

That means this isn’t some new superstition that has appeared since arriving at Liverpool.

It has been with him for a huge part of his football life.

Even Iraola admits it’s stupid

The best part is that Iraola doesn’t even pretend there is any great logic behind it.

When he was Bournemouth manager, he was asked about the tape.

His answer?

Basically, it’s stupid.

He described it as a superstition and explained that he has simply done it for so many years that he continues to do it.

He even admitted that referees sometimes asked him to remove it when he was a player.

And when he did?

Nothing happened.

But the habit remained.

That’s probably the definition of a superstition.

You know it doesn’t really make sense.

But you keep doing it anyway.

From Athletic Bilbao to Liverpool

What I find interesting about this is how far back it goes.

Iraola came through the Athletic Bilbao system and went on to make more than 500 appearances for the club.

He wasn’t just another player passing through.

He became a hugely important figure at Athletic, spending 12 seasons with the first team and eventually captaining the club.

His career later took him to New York City FC before he moved into management.

Now, years later, that little piece of his playing career remains.

Every match.

Every pre-season game.

Every new club.

The tape comes out.

It actually tells us something about Iraola

Of course, it’s only a superstition.

The tape isn’t responsible for tactics, pressing structures or team selections.

But I do think these little habits tell you something about people.

Iraola is clearly someone who likes routines.

He’s analytical and incredibly demanding of his teams, but there is also a very human side to him.

He knows the tape doesn’t make him a better manager.

He knows nothing terrible is going to happen if he doesn’t wear it.

But after doing it for so many years, it has become part of his routine.

And sometimes football is full of these little rituals.

Players have lucky boots.

Managers have particular routines.

Supporters sit in the same seat or wear the same shirt for every game because they believe changing anything might bring bad luck.

Iraola has his tape.

I’ll definitely be looking for it now

I’ll be honest, I probably wouldn’t have noticed it before.

Now that I know about it, I’ll probably be looking at Iraola’s hands every time Liverpool’s cameras show him arriving at the stadium.

And I’m guessing I’m not the only one.

Imagine Liverpool are about to play a huge Champions League game.

The tension is building.

The players are walking out.

Iraola is on the touchline.

And somewhere underneath all the tactical planning and instructions, he’s got two little pieces of tape wrapped around his fingers.

It’s brilliant.

Football is full of little stories like this

This is what makes football managers fascinating.

We spend so much time talking about tactics, formations, transfers, results and statistics that sometimes we forget there are actual people behind it all.

Iraola might be the man responsible for deciding whether Liverpool play with two midfielders or three.

He might be obsessing over how to press an opponent.

He might be studying the smallest tactical details.

But before all of that?

The tape goes on.

And he’s been doing it since he was a kid.

Don’t mess with the routine

I don’t know whether Iraola genuinely believes the tape brings him luck.

From what he has said, he doesn’t.

But after doing it for so many years, why stop now?

Maybe Liverpool supporters should embrace it.

If Iraola arrives at Anfield with those two pieces of tape on his fingers, we’ll know everything is normal.

The routine continues.

And if Liverpool start winning trophies under Iraola, don’t be surprised if those little pieces of tape become part of the folklore.

Jamie (The Kopite View)