The Kopite View

I honestly despair at some of the opinions I’m reading on social media following Liverpool’s back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahçe.

Apparently, because Andoni Iraola has lost two games in the space of a week, there are supporters questioning whether Liverpool should ever have sacked Arne Slot.

Seriously?

Have we really reached the point where two disappointing results are enough for people to start looking backwards and suggesting the club made a mistake?

I find it astonishing.

I wasn’t convinced Slot should have remained in charge long before his eventual departure. In fact, I’ve maintained that Liverpool should have acted earlier rather than allowing the situation to drag on for as long as it did.

But apparently, according to some people on social media, losing a couple of games under Iraola means we should have stuck with the previous manager.

That’s not how football works.

Two defeats don’t suddenly make Slot the right manager

Let’s get one thing straight. I am not defending Liverpool’s recent performances.

Losing 1-0 at Anfield to Arsenal was frustrating, particularly given the way the goal was conceded. The 3-2 defeat against Fenerbahçe was even more concerning, with Liverpool twice taking the lead before throwing the advantage away.

There are legitimate questions to ask Iraola about team selection, substitutions, defensive organisation and the mentality of certain players.

He isn’t beyond criticism.

But why are people using these results to suggest Slot should never have been sacked?

Slot’s problems weren’t caused by two defeats in one week. They had been developing over a much longer period.

His final season was disappointing, the performances were increasingly difficult to watch, and I had serious concerns about the direction of the team.

Winning the Premier League in his first season was a fantastic achievement, but it didn’t mean he deserved an unlimited amount of time.

You can appreciate what a manager has achieved and still believe his time at the club has come to an end.

Where was this support for Slot when things were going wrong?

This is what I find particularly strange.

When supporters were questioning Slot’s tactics, his selections and the overall direction of the team, plenty of people were already calling for a change.

The concerns didn’t suddenly appear when he was dismissed.

I was one of those who believed Liverpool should have acted earlier. I didn’t think he deserved to be given the entire season simply because he had won the league the year before.

Now, after two defeats under his successor, some of those arguments seem to have disappeared.

Are we supposed to pretend the problems under Slot never existed?

Are we supposed to forget the frustration, the performances and the feeling that Liverpool needed a fresh direction?

I certainly haven’t forgotten.

Iraola needs criticism – but he also needs time

I have never claimed Iraola would walk into Anfield and immediately turn Liverpool into title challengers.

There was always going to be a period of adjustment. He inherited a squad with weaknesses, particularly in midfield, and there are still decisions to be made about the players who fit his system.

I’ve already made my feelings clear about the need for a more defensively accomplished midfielder, better balance in the middle of the pitch and greater consistency from certain senior players.

I also believe Iraola needs to make some difficult selection decisions.

But that doesn’t mean we should be calling for another managerial change every time Liverpool lose a couple of matches.

If we are going to give managers time, that principle has to apply when results aren’t going our way as well.

Two defeats are disappointing, but they don’t erase the positive signs that were there before this difficult week.

Andoni Iraola needs to learn from these setbacks, just as the players need to take responsibility for their performances.

The players cannot keep escaping responsibility

One thing that frustrates me is how quickly the manager becomes the main target whenever Liverpool lose.

Yes, Iraola has made mistakes. His decisions deserve scrutiny, and he needs to find solutions.

But what about the players?

They are the ones going onto the pitch. They are the ones responsible for defending properly, winning their individual battles and showing the intensity required to play for Liverpool.

The Fenerbahçe defeat was particularly concerning because Liverpool had taken the lead twice and still managed to lose.

That isn’t something we can simply blame on the manager’s tactics.

Senior players need to stand up, take responsibility and start delivering the performances their reputations and salaries demand.

We cannot keep changing managers and expecting every problem to disappear overnight.

Liverpool needed a fresh direction – and I still believe that

I haven’t changed my opinion.

I believe Liverpool were right to move on from Slot, and I still believe they should have made that decision earlier.

That doesn’t mean Iraola gets a free pass. He needs to improve this team, make better decisions and start producing more consistent performances.

But judging him solely on two defeats would be just as short-sighted as judging Slot solely on one disappointing run.

The club made a decision because it believed a different manager was needed to take Liverpool forward.

We now need to give that decision a proper chance to work.

I’m not going to suddenly start campaigning for Arne Slot to return because Liverpool have lost two football matches.

I remember why I wanted him gone, and my opinion hasn’t changed.

Supporters are entitled to disagree, but let’s not rewrite history every time the results turn against us.

Liverpool need stability, better recruitment, a stronger midfield and players who are prepared to fight for the shirt.

Andoni Iraola deserves the opportunity to build that team.

Jamie – (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have spent heavily on their midfield, committed significant money to long-term contracts and assembled a collection of players with obvious individual quality.

So why does the middle of the pitch still look like such a problem?

For me, the issue has been clear since Andoni Iraola arrived at Anfield. Liverpool needed a more defensively accomplished midfielder – not necessarily another out-and-out holding destroyer, but a proper box-to-box player with defensive intelligence, physicality and the ability to protect the team.

I wanted Lamine Camara last summer, and the more I watch Liverpool struggle to find the right midfield balance, the more convinced I become that this was the type of signing we needed.

Because individual talent is one thing. Building a midfield that actually works is something entirely different.

Gravenberch and Szoboszlai haven’t provided the balance

I said before a ball was kicked that a double pivot of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai would struggle.

Both are talented footballers. Gravenberch has the ability to carry possession and drive through midfield, while Szoboszlai brings energy, athleticism and an eye for goal.

But putting two talented players together doesn’t automatically create a successful partnership.

A double pivot needs discipline, positional awareness and an understanding of when to attack and when to protect the defence. It needs players who complement each other rather than simply occupy the same spaces.

Neither Gravenberch nor Szoboszlai has consistently convinced me that they can provide the defensive security and control Iraola needs from that partnership.

That doesn’t mean either player should be written off. But their reputations and contracts cannot guarantee them a place in the starting eleven.

Trey Nyoni is showing the others how it should be done

Perhaps the most interesting development has been the emergence of Trey Nyoni.

At just 19, he is showing an understanding of midfield play that Liverpool have desperately needed. He wants the ball, is comfortable receiving it under pressure and has the intelligence to keep possession moving.

There is a maturity to his performances that belies his age.

The irony is that a teenager earning a fraction of what some of Liverpool’s established midfielders receive is making such a compelling case for himself.

Nyoni isn’t the finished article, and we must be careful not to place too much responsibility on his shoulders. He needs experienced players around him and time to develop.

But he has earned the right to be taken seriously.

Alongside him, Alexis Mac Allister looks increasingly like the midfielder Liverpool need. He has the intelligence, technical quality and experience to help control games, and his recent performances have reminded us what he can offer.

For me, Nyoni and Mac Allister currently look like Liverpool’s strongest midfield partnership.

With Florian Wirtz operating further forward as the No.10, there is a much clearer structure to the team.

Expensive contracts create uncomfortable decisions

This is where things become difficult for Liverpool’s hierarchy.

Gravenberch and Szoboszlai have been given substantial contracts, and neither is a player the club will want to see sitting on the bench regularly.

But what happens when the players on those contracts aren’t producing the best balance?

Football cannot become a business of selecting players simply because they earn the most money.

If Nyoni and Mac Allister are the better partnership, they should play. If Wirtz is the best option in the No.10 position, he should be given that responsibility.

Gravenberch and Szoboszlai must then fight for their places.

That is what competition for places is supposed to be about. Nobody should be guaranteed a starting position because of their salary or reputation.

Iraola needs to be strong enough to make those decisions, even if they are uncomfortable.

What has happened to Endo and McConnell?

There are other questions surrounding Liverpool’s midfield options.

Wataru Endo seems to have been largely forgotten, despite offering a more defensive-minded option when the team needs protection.

James McConnell has also struggled to get meaningful opportunities. He may still have plenty of development ahead of him, but it is difficult to understand the wider midfield plan when certain players barely feature.

Liverpool need clarity about what each midfielder is supposed to offer and how they fit into Iraola’s system.

At the moment, there are too many unanswered questions.

Lamine Camara was the type of signing Liverpool needed

My preference for Lamine Camara last summer was never simply about signing another promising midfielder.

It was about signing the right profile.

Liverpool need someone who can compete physically, win challenges, cover ground, read danger and still have the technical ability to play forward.

A midfielder who can do the defensive work without making the team predictable in possession.

That is the sort of player who could allow Nyoni, Mac Allister and Wirtz to flourish.

It doesn’t necessarily mean Liverpool need a traditional defensive midfielder who sits in front of the back four all afternoon. I want a player capable of doing the dirty work while contributing to the football as well.

The next signing has to be about suitability, not simply reputation or price tag.

Iraola must be allowed to build his own midfield

I still believe Iraola needs time to shape this Liverpool team, but he also needs to be decisive.

He has inherited some excellent footballers. His job now is to turn them into a midfield unit that can control games, protect the defence and supply the forwards.

Liverpool cannot keep expecting their attacking players to solve problems created by a midfield that lacks balance.

The hierarchy must also recognise that expensive contracts can create difficult decisions, but they cannot dictate footballing decisions.

For me, the strongest midfield at present is Nyoni and Mac Allister behind Wirtz.

Gravenberch and Szoboszlai have plenty to offer, but they need to earn their places. Endo and McConnell also raise questions about how the squad is being managed.

Liverpool don’t need another expensive name for the sake of it. They need the right midfielder.

Until the club gets that decision right and starts controlling the middle of the pitch, the problems will continue to affect every other area of the team.

Jamie – (The Kopite View)

Liverpool might have another very special talent coming through the academy ranks, and his name is Luca Eden.

At just 15 years old, the young midfielder is already making waves at youth level, playing against opponents considerably older and more physically developed than himself.

And the comparisons with Steven Gerrard are starting to gather momentum.

Let’s be clear: there will only ever be one Steven Gerrard. Replacing a player who became such an iconic figure at Liverpool is an impossible task. But when you watch Eden, you can understand why supporters are getting excited.

He has that drive, confidence and willingness to take responsibility in midfield that immediately catches the eye.

Four goal contributions in four UEFA Youth League games

Eden’s numbers are particularly impressive for someone so young.

He has registered four goal contributions in his first four UEFA Youth League appearances, including a goal against LASK and an assist in Liverpool’s recent 5-3 victory over Fenerbahçe.

That is an extraordinary start to life at this level for a 15-year-old.

His contribution against Fenerbahçe was especially exciting. Eden drove forward through the middle of the pitch before producing a perfectly weighted pass for Will Wright to complete his hat-trick.

It was a lovely piece of football, showing composure, awareness and the confidence to make things happen when it mattered.

He didn’t need to score himself to make an impression.

Why are Liverpool fans comparing him to Gerrard?

The comparisons aren’t simply about playing in midfield.

Eden has shown some of the characteristics that made Gerrard such a special player: driving forward with the ball, looking to influence games and having the confidence to attempt things rather than simply playing safe passes.

He also became Liverpool’s youngest-ever player in the UEFA Youth League when he featured against Atlético Madrid in September.

That is a remarkable achievement considering the quality of youngsters who have come through the academy over the years.

Liverpool’s U19 coach Rob Page has also spoken positively about Eden’s ability to compete physically and technically against much older opponents.

The signs are certainly encouraging.

Liverpool must protect this young talent

The important thing now is not to get carried away.

Eden is 15. He has a huge amount of development ahead of him, and there will inevitably be difficult periods as he progresses through the academy.

Liverpool must give him the right environment, the right coaching and the time to develop without placing unrealistic expectations on his shoulders.

We have seen plenty of exciting young players attract attention before they have even had the opportunity to establish themselves in senior football.

The Gerrard comparisons are flattering, but Eden needs to become his own player.

If he continues developing at this rate, Liverpool could have a very exciting midfielder on their hands.

Remember the name – Luca Eden!

One of the things I love about Liverpool is seeing young players coming through the academy and getting supporters excited about the future.

We’ve already seen the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and more recently Rio Ngumoha emerge from the youth system. Now Eden is another name worth keeping a close eye on.

Four goal contributions in four UEFA Youth League matches at just 15 years old is some achievement.

I’m not saying we’ve found the next Steven Gerrard. Nobody should put that expectation on a teenager.

But I am saying that Liverpool appear to have a special talent on their hands.

Remember the name: Luca Eden. This young midfielder could have a very exciting future at Anfield.

Jamie – (The Kopite View)

There comes a point when a manager has to make difficult decisions. Andoni Iraola needs to recognise that Liverpool might actually be a better team without Dominik Szoboszlai in the starting eleven at the moment.

That might not be a popular opinion, particularly given the Hungarian’s energy, work rate and obvious ability. But football isn’t about picking your biggest names and hoping everything falls into place. It’s about finding the right balance and selecting players who complement one another.

And I think Liverpool have some combinations that deserve to be given a proper run.

Wirtz is the better No.10 – it’s not even close

For me, Florian Wirtz is a far better natural No.10 than Szoboszlai.

Wirtz has the vision, creativity, close control and ability to find those passes that unlock defences. He wants to receive the ball between the lines, turn and make things happen. That’s exactly what Liverpool need from their attacking midfielder.

Szoboszlai has plenty of qualities, but I don’t believe moving him into the No.10 role is the answer. We have already seen how difficult it can be to get the right balance when he is asked to play there.

Wirtz should be the man in that position. Give him the responsibility, build around his strengths and allow him to develop an understanding with the forwards.

He has had his difficult moments, but I still believe there is a top-class player in there. We need to get the best out of him rather than constantly questioning his position.

Nyoni and Mac Allister look a better midfield partnership

The other combination I would like Iraola to stick with is Trey Nyoni alongside Alexis Mac Allister in the double pivot.

I like what Nyoni brings to this team. He has composure, energy, an ability to carry the ball and, importantly, he looks forward when he receives possession.

Mac Allister offers experience, intelligence and control. Together, I think they give Liverpool a better balance than trying to fit Szoboszlai into the same midfield.

Nyoni is still only 19, so we have to be sensible with how much responsibility we put on his shoulders. But that doesn’t mean we should hold him back when he is showing that he can contribute.

The partnership deserves more opportunities. It could give Wirtz the freedom to operate further forward without leaving Liverpool so exposed in the middle.

And let’s be honest, finding the right midfield balance has been one of Liverpool’s biggest problems.

Stop playing Szoboszlai at right-back

I also don’t believe Szoboszlai should be considered the solution at right-back.

Ronald Araújo and Joe Gomez are better options for that position. Araújo brings physicality, defensive strength and leadership, while Gomez offers experience and the ability to defend different types of opposition.

Why keep moving a midfielder out of position when we have defenders who can do the job?

Szoboszlai’s versatility is useful, but that doesn’t mean he should be moved around the pitch every time Liverpool have a problem. There is a difference between being versatile and being the best option in a particular position.

I would rather see Araújo or Gomez start at right-back and allow the midfield to settle.

Szoboszlai’s place should be on the bench – alongside Gravenberch for now

This is where I think Iraola needs to be brave.

At the moment, I would have Szoboszlai on the bench, alongside Ryan Gravenberch, rather than automatically selecting either player.

That isn’t saying they are poor footballers or that they don’t have a future at Liverpool. Both have qualities that could be important to the squad.

But nobody should have a guaranteed starting place based on reputation, transfer fee or previous performances.

If Nyoni and Mac Allister are giving Liverpool better balance, play them. If Wirtz is the better option at No.10, keep him there. If Araújo and Gomez are the stronger right-back choices, use them.

It’s really not complicated.

Szoboszlai can still make a big contribution from the bench and fight his way back into the team. Competition for places should be healthy, and Liverpool need players to earn their starting positions.

Sometimes you have to accept what is working

I want Iraola to succeed at Liverpool. I’ve said before that he needs time to build his own team, and I still believe that.

But he also needs to make decisions based on performances and team balance rather than trying to find a place for everybody.

My preferred approach would be Wirtz as the No.10, Nyoni alongside Mac Allister in midfield, and Araújo or Gomez at right-back.

That means Szoboszlai and Gravenberch having to fight for their places.

It might sound harsh, but Liverpool need a settled team, not constant positional experiments.

Sometimes the answer isn’t another tactical change or another attempt to accommodate a big-name player.

Sometimes you simply have to accept what is working.

And right now, I believe Liverpool should be building around Wirtz, Nyoni and Mac Allister.

Jamie – (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have no time to feel sorry for themselves after a miserable night in Istanbul. Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace is now a huge test of character for Andoni Iraola and his players.

Two defeats in succession are disappointing enough, but the manner of the 3-2 loss to Fenerbahçe was particularly frustrating. Liverpool led twice, conceded three goals from set-pieces and came away with nothing.

I want to see a completely different Liverpool at Selhurst Park. Not just a better result, but a performance full of energy, commitment and determination.

The supporters deserve a response, and the players need to show that Wednesday night’s embarrassment was a one-off rather than another sign of deeper problems.

The Fenerbahçe performance simply wasn’t good enough

There is losing a difficult away match in Europe, and then there is the way Liverpool surrendered this one.

Trey Nyoni gave the Reds the lead before Fenerbahçe equalised. Alexander Isak then came off the bench and immediately put Liverpool back in front, only for the home side to score twice more and take all three points.

The biggest concern was the defending.

Liverpool conceded from a free-kick, a corner and a long throw. Three situations where the team should have been much better organised and much more aggressive.

How can you expect to win matches at this level when you repeatedly switch off at set-pieces?

Virgil van Dijk was clearly unhappy afterwards, admitting that the team could not afford to lose in that manner. He was right.

It wasn’t just about the result. It was the lack of concentration and authority when Liverpool needed to protect their lead.

And after the Arsenal defeat at Anfield, these performances are beginning to raise more questions.

Iraola needs his players to show some character

I have been defending Iraola because I believe he needs time to build his own Liverpool team.

I still believe that.

But patience does not mean ignoring performances that are nowhere near the required standard.

The manager has to take responsibility for his decisions, but the players need to look at themselves as well.

Too many have been inconsistent, and Liverpool have lacked the intensity and organisation that should be expected from a team representing this club.

I want to see players fighting for every ball, making themselves available and showing the desire to win their individual battles.

We cannot keep waiting until we are behind or chasing a result before showing any urgency.

That has to change.

Crystal Palace will not make it easy

<text color=”secondary” size=”xs”>Premier League – Sunday, November 8, 2026, 2pm GMT</text>

<Entity value=”Crystal Palace” category=”sports_team”/> away is not somewhere Liverpool can simply turn up and expect three points.

Selhurst Park can be an uncomfortable place to visit, and Palace will see this as an opportunity to take advantage of Liverpool’s recent struggles.

They have had their own difficulties, but that does not mean this will be straightforward. Liverpool will need to be prepared for a competitive afternoon and cannot afford to give their opponents cheap opportunities.

Iraola has already made it clear that he wants a response. He knows the importance of going into the international break with a positive result rather than allowing the losing run to continue.

This is precisely the sort of match where Liverpool need to show their character.

Get the team selection right and play players in their best positions

I also want to see Iraola get his selection right.

There were decisions against Fenerbahçe that I questioned, particularly playing Bradley Barcola through the middle when Alexander Isak was available.

Isak showed how dangerous he can be when he came on, and I want to see him leading the attack at Palace.

Barcola is a winger. Let him play out wide, where his pace and ability to take defenders on can cause problems.

Florian Wirtz should also be given the opportunity to influence the game, while the midfield needs to provide better protection and supply the forwards with quality service.

Most importantly, Liverpool need to look like a team rather than a collection of individuals trying to solve problems on their own.

This is a chance to put things right

I don’t expect every problem to disappear in one match.

Liverpool are still a work in progress under Iraola, and I have always maintained that the manager needs time and backing in the transfer market.

But there is a difference between accepting that a rebuild takes time and accepting performances like the one in Turkey.

We need to see improvement now.

A win at Palace would not suddenly make Liverpool title contenders, but it would restore some confidence and give everyone something positive to take into the international break.

Another defeat, particularly if it comes with the same defensive mistakes and lack of intensity, would only increase the pressure.

My verdict: Liverpool owe the supporters a reaction

I am not interested in hearing excuses after the Fenerbahçe performance.

Liverpool were poor defensively, wasted the opportunity to take control of the match and allowed their opponents to punish them.

The Arsenal defeat was frustrating, but losing 3-2 in Istanbul after leading twice was another level of disappointment.

Now it is time for the players to respond.

I still believe Iraola is the right man to take Liverpool forward, but he needs to show that he can get a reaction from this squad. The players need to take responsibility and prove they have the character to turn things around.

I want to see a Liverpool team that presses with purpose, wins its battles, defends properly and plays with the intensity that supporters expect.

Three points at Crystal Palace would be a very welcome response.

But above all, I want to see a performance that gives us confidence that Liverpool are moving in the right direction.

Enough talk. It’s time to show it on the pitch.

Jamie – (The Kopite View)

There is plenty of discussion about Dominik Szoboszlai at the moment, and I can understand why.

The Hungarian midfielder is clearly a talented footballer. He has tremendous energy, can strike a ball brilliantly, is capable of producing moments of real quality and has the work rate to make a difference at both ends of the pitch.

When he is playing well, he can be one of Liverpool’s most influential players.

But there is a question I think Andoni Iraola needs to answer: Is Liverpool actually a better team with Szoboszlai at the heart of everything?

That might sound harsh, but individual quality and what is best for the team are not always the same thing.

Szoboszlai has been used in several different positions, and while his versatility is valuable, I am beginning to wonder whether Liverpool are still trying to work out where he belongs.

Szoboszlai can do a bit of everything – but what is his best position?

One of the biggest talking points is the number of roles Szoboszlai has been asked to perform.

He has played as a No.6, No.8, No.10, right winger and even right-back.

That tells you plenty about his willingness to help the team, but it also raises questions about whether he has been given a settled role.

Szoboszlai himself has previously acknowledged the different positions he has occupied, explaining that he simply wants to be on the pitch.

I admire that attitude, but Liverpool need more than a player who is willing to fill whichever gap appears.

They need to know where he can have the biggest influence.

For me, his best position is as a right-sided No.8, with the freedom to press aggressively, carry the ball forward, support the attack and arrive around the edge of the penalty area.

That is where his energy, athleticism and ability to make late runs can be most useful.

He can still contribute defensively without being expected to sit in front of the back four and dictate the game.

I don’t think he is the answer at No.6

Liverpool’s midfield has struggled for balance, and I don’t believe asking Szoboszlai to become the main defensive midfielder is the solution.

He has the engine and commitment, but the No.6 role requires positional discipline, awareness and the ability to protect the defence when the team loses possession.

It is not simply about running around and winning tackles.

We need someone who can read danger, control the space in front of the centre-backs and provide a reliable platform for the other midfielders.

I would rather see Liverpool recruit a specialist defensive midfielder than keep trying to turn Szoboszlai into something he isn’t.

That would allow him to concentrate on the qualities that make him such a dangerous player.

The No.10 question – what about Florian Wirtz?

This is another problem for Iraola.

Szoboszlai has previously been effective in an attacking midfield role, and there are supporters who believe he should be playing there instead of Florian Wirtz.

I can understand the argument, particularly when Wirtz is struggling to influence games.

But I don’t think dropping Wirtz is automatically the answer.

Liverpool signed him because of his creativity, vision and ability to unlock defences. He needs to be given the opportunity to establish himself in his preferred central role.

If both players are going to feature, Iraola has to find a system that allows them to complement each other rather than competing for exactly the same spaces.

That is where the manager earns his money.

You cannot simply put your best individuals on the pitch and expect everything to work. The balance has to be right.

Is Liverpool’s midfield actually better with Szoboszlai at its centre?

This is the question I keep coming back to.

Szoboszlai can have an outstanding individual game, but that does not necessarily mean Liverpool have controlled the midfield.

There have been occasions when his willingness to get forward has left spaces behind him. There have also been performances where he has struggled to influence the game when asked to play a deeper role.

His display against Fenerbahçe was another reminder that he is not immune from criticism. Playing in an advanced position, he failed to provide the influence Liverpool needed as the Reds eventually lost 3-2.

I don’t want to turn him into a scapegoat. Liverpool have much bigger problems than one player’s form.

But we have to be honest about what we are seeing.

The midfield needs to work as a unit. If one player is constantly being moved around, another is being asked to cover gaps and a third is struggling to get involved, the overall structure will suffer.

Iraola needs to establish clear responsibilities and make sure every player understands his role.

Szoboszlai is a valuable player – but Liverpool need a better-balanced midfield

I don’t want Liverpool to lose Szoboszlai or start questioning his long-term future.

He has plenty to offer, and I believe he can be a major player for this club.

But I would like to see him given a settled role as a right-sided No.8, with the freedom to use his energy and attacking qualities.

Then Liverpool need to recruit the right players around him.

A proper defensive midfielder would give the team greater protection, while a more balanced midfield would allow Szoboszlai to concentrate on influencing the game further forward.

We also need to make sure Wirtz is getting the platform to show his best football.

This is about building a midfield that works together, not finding a way to accommodate every individual regardless of the consequences.

My verdict: Stop moving Szoboszlai around and give him a proper role

Szoboszlai is a very good footballer, but I don’t think Liverpool have consistently found the best way to use him.

His versatility should be an advantage for Iraola, not a reason to keep changing his position.

For me, he is a No.8. Let him press, drive forward, support the attack and make those late runs into the box.

Don’t ask him to be the defensive midfielder, don’t keep pushing him out to right-back and don’t automatically make him the solution whenever another position needs filling.

Most importantly, Iraola has to decide whether the team is better balanced with Szoboszlai at the centre of his plans.

Liverpool need to build a midfield around the right combination of players, not simply build one around their most versatile midfielder.

I want Szoboszlai to succeed at Anfield, but the team has to come first.

Jamie – (The Kopite View)

I genuinely believe Andoni Iraola is the right manager to take Liverpool forward, but supporters need to understand the size of the job he has inherited.

His start at Anfield has certainly been bumpy. Two consecutive defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahçe have brought criticism, questions about his team selections and renewed frustration among supporters.

However, I don’t believe we should be judging Iraola on a handful of difficult results when the bigger picture tells us that Liverpool have a much more complicated rebuilding job ahead.

For me, the problems go back to the summer of 2025.

Liverpool spent heavily, made significant changes to the squad and allowed important players to leave. Yet the recruitment did not leave the club with the balanced team it needed.

The consequences are now being felt, and I believe Liverpool are potentially two or three years behind where they should be.

That is not all Iraola’s responsibility. In fact, he is the man who has been brought in to put things right.

Arne Slot was never quite the right fit for Liverpool

I know Slot delivered a Premier League title, and nobody should dismiss that achievement.

But I always felt there was something missing.

For me, he wasn’t quite a Liverpool-type manager. It wasn’t simply about results or tactics, but also his style of football and the way he handled himself in press conferences when things weren’t going his way.

I became increasingly uncomfortable with some of his public comments. At times, I felt he was putting the club down and throwing players under the bus rather than protecting the group and taking responsibility himself.

That is not how I want to see a Liverpool manager behave.

There were also growing concerns about the football. The intensity, aggression and attacking identity that supporters associate with Liverpool seemed to disappear for long periods.

The final months of his time in charge only increased those doubts.

I appreciate what Slot achieved, but I also believe the club eventually recognised that a change was necessary.

Iraola inherited a much bigger problem than some people realise

One of the things that frustrates me about the criticism of Iraola is that people seem to expect him to turn everything around immediately.

That was never realistic.

He inherited a squad that needed serious attention. There are problems in midfield, questions over the full-back positions and areas of the attack that still need strengthening.

The summer recruitment did not address everything, and the departures have left gaps that cannot simply be filled by changing the manager.

Even after another significant summer of spending in 2026, questions remain about the balance of the squad. Iraola has had to work with the players available rather than build an entirely new team around his preferred style.

That is why I expected a difficult start.

You cannot change the identity of a team overnight, particularly when the squad has been assembled for a different style of football.

The club must back Iraola – and give him time

My understanding is that there is confidence in Iraola within the club, and I believe that is important.

Liverpool cannot keep changing direction every time results become difficult. If the hierarchy appointed him because they believe he is the right man to lead the next stage of the project, they have to demonstrate that belief.

That means backing him in the transfer market, allowing him to make difficult decisions and giving him the time to develop the team.

It also means being prepared to make changes to the squad.

I have already spoken about the need for a midfield revamp. Liverpool need more physicality, defensive protection, creativity and players who can move the ball forward with purpose.

Trey Nyoni is an exciting young player and could become a major part of Liverpool’s future, but we cannot put the entire responsibility on a youngster. He needs experienced quality around him.

The same applies to the rest of the team. Iraola needs players who suit his approach, not simply a squad of expensive names that do not necessarily fit together.

Two defeats do not change my belief in Iraola

I understand the frustration after losing to Arsenal and Fenerbahçe.

The defensive mistakes have been poor, the midfield has struggled for balance and some of the manager’s decisions deserve questioning.

I am not suggesting Iraola should be immune from criticism.

But there is a difference between questioning individual performances and deciding that the entire project is failing.

I want to see improvements, and I want to see Liverpool become more consistent. The manager has to get more out of the players currently available while the club works on strengthening the squad.

However, I don’t want another cycle of panic, short-term thinking and changing managers before they have had a proper opportunity to succeed.

Liverpool need stability and a clear direction.

My verdict: Iraola is the man, but Liverpool must build around him

I believe Andoni Iraola can be successful at Liverpool.

He has a clear footballing identity, demands intensity from his players and wants his teams to play attacking football. Those are qualities I want to see at Anfield.

But he needs the right players to make it work.

The damage caused by the recruitment and departures of 2025 will not be corrected in one transfer window. Liverpool have a significant amount of work to do, and the club must accept that this is a longer-term rebuild.

I don’t expect Iraola to challenge for every trophy immediately. I want to see progress, a stronger identity, Champions League qualification and genuine competition in the cups while the squad is improved.

Most importantly, I want the hierarchy to stand behind the manager rather than lose faith at the first sign of trouble.

Arne Slot’s chapter is over. Andoni Iraola deserves the opportunity to write the next one.

I genuinely believe he is the man to succeed at Liverpool, but patience will be essential.

We cannot expect a manager to repair two or three years of recruitment problems in a matter of months.

Give Iraola the time, give him the players he needs and let him build the Liverpool team we all want to see.

Jamie – (The Kopite View)

Andoni Iraola has explained why he decided to play Bradley Barcola through the middle against Fenerbahçe, admitting that the Frenchman is primarily a winger rather than a natural centre-forward.

It was one of the biggest talking points from Liverpool’s disappointing 3-2 Champions League defeat in Istanbul.

With Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both starting on the bench, Barcola was handed the responsibility of leading the attack, with Rio Ngumoha and Víctor Muñoz providing the width.

Unfortunately, it was an experiment that failed to deliver.

Iraola has now explained his thinking, and while I understand what he was trying to achieve, I’m not convinced it is something Liverpool should be relying on.

Iraola wanted to use Barcola’s pace in behind

The Liverpool manager explained that he wanted to see whether Barcola’s speed could cause problems for Fenerbahçe’s centre-backs.

He said:

“Bradley is a winger but I wanted to try it. I thought he could be a threat in behind with their centre-backs but mainly he is a winger with us. Sometimes I want to try it. I tried Cody Gakpo in the Carabao Cup. It’s something we can use when Alexander Isak is tired.”

There is some logic behind that decision.

Barcola has tremendous pace and is dangerous when he can attack space behind defenders. Against certain opponents, using him centrally could create problems, particularly if Liverpool are looking to play quickly in transition.

Iraola was also managing Isak’s minutes after the striker had played against Arsenal, with the intention of bringing him on for the closing stages.

But there is a difference between having pace and being a natural number nine.

Barcola is far more dangerous out wide

For me, Barcola’s biggest strengths are his ability to take defenders on, use his acceleration and create opportunities from wide areas.

He is at his best when he can receive the ball facing goal, isolate a full-back and attack the space.

Playing centrally changes the demands on him.

A striker has to hold the ball up, occupy centre-backs, link play and make intelligent movements inside a crowded penalty area. It is a very different role from operating on the wing.

Against Fenerbahçe, Barcola never really looked comfortable leading the line.

He struggled to influence the game and Liverpool looked more threatening when Isak eventually came on.

That is not a criticism of Barcola’s ability. It is simply about playing players in positions where they can make the biggest impact.

Isak showed what Liverpool had been missing

The most frustrating part was that Isak made an immediate impact after coming off the bench.

The Swedish striker needed only a few minutes to get on the scoresheet, rising to meet Cody Gakpo’s delivery and putting Liverpool back in front.

It was exactly the sort of centre-forward contribution Liverpool had been missing.

I understand that Isak cannot play every minute, particularly with the number of fixtures Liverpool have to negotiate. Managing his workload is important.

But if he needs a rest, I would rather see Liverpool use a recognised alternative where possible than keep asking wide forwards to do a job that does not naturally suit them.

Hugo Ekitike’s eventual return should help provide another option, although Liverpool will need to manage his recovery carefully.

Gakpo and Barcola are options – but not the long-term answer

Iraola also mentioned trying Cody Gakpo in a central role against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.

Gakpo has played as a striker before and offers a different profile to Barcola. He can link play, use his strength and bring other attackers into the game.

There may be occasions when either player can do a job through the middle.

But I would not want to see Liverpool regularly relying on makeshift centre-forwards when there are more natural options available.

We need our best attacking players in positions where they can hurt opponents.

Barcola should be given the freedom to attack from the wing, where his pace and directness can be a real weapon.

My verdict: Keep Barcola on the wing

I appreciate Iraola being willing to experiment. Managers have to find solutions when players are unavailable or need their minutes managed.

However, I don’t think the Fenerbahçe match provided much evidence that Barcola should be considered a regular alternative at centre-forward.

He is a winger, and that is where I want to see him playing.

Liverpool have enough problems to solve without weakening another area of the attack by moving players out of their natural positions.

Iraola may use the option again against certain opponents, and I wouldn’t rule it out completely. But it should be an occasional tactical alternative rather than a regular plan.

Barcola has the pace and ability to be a real success at Liverpool. Let’s make sure we use him where he can do the most damage.

Jamie – (The Kopite View)

Andoni Iraola knows Liverpool supporters are angry. Two consecutive defeats have left plenty of questions hanging over Anfield, but the Reds manager is urging everyone to keep some perspective.

Liverpool have gone from the disappointment of losing 1-0 to Arsenal at Anfield to an even more frustrating 3-2 Champions League defeat against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul.

The concern is understandable. There have been defensive mistakes, questions about team selection and a growing feeling that Liverpool are not getting the consistency required to compete at the highest level.

But Iraola believes the reaction to those defeats needs to be measured.

Speaking about the mood around the club, he admitted that nobody is happy when Liverpool lose, but insisted the people working at the club understand that football comes with difficult periods.

Iraola understands the anger – but wants perspective

Iraola did not pretend that everything was fine.

He acknowledged that losing matches creates anger and uncertainty, particularly at a club where expectations are always high.

He said:

“It’s not easy at this moment, when we lose everyone is angry. But we have to have some perspective. We will have ups and downs, we will get through this moment, we will have some good results.”

He also made an important point about how quickly opinions can change in football.

“We lost two and now there are doubts but we have to understand it is normal. The ones here who work every day we are not as bad as we look today or as good as we look one week ago.”

That is a fair argument.

After a couple of good results, people can get carried away and start believing everything is falling into place. Two defeats later, suddenly there are doubts about the manager, the players and the direction of the team.

Neither reaction necessarily tells the full story.

Liverpool must correct the problems – not hide behind excuses

However, perspective cannot become an excuse.

Liverpool have made too many mistakes recently, and the Fenerbahçe defeat was particularly frustrating because the Reds took the lead twice before throwing the game away.

Conceding three goals from set-pieces was unacceptable. Iraola himself recognised that his team needed to defend those situations much better.

The Arsenal defeat also exposed problems in the attacking department, with Liverpool failing to register a shot on target in a Premier League home game.

These are genuine concerns that need addressing.

Iraola knows that, too, and his message was clear when he said:

“We need to correct things.”

That is the most important part of his comments for me.

Nobody is expecting Liverpool to be perfect, particularly with a manager still trying to develop his own team and establish a consistent identity. But supporters want to see evidence that the problems are being recognised and improvements are being made.

I still believe Iraola needs time

I have said previously that Liverpool are a work in progress under Iraola, and two defeats do not suddenly change my overall view.

I was not expecting an immediate title challenge, and I still believe the manager needs time to build the squad he wants.

There are areas that require significant attention, particularly midfield. Liverpool need more physicality, better balance and players capable of providing the forwards with the quality service they need.

The squad also needs greater consistency, and the manager has to make sure his tactical decisions are helping rather than hindering the team.

But I am not going to judge Iraola’s entire Liverpool career on one difficult week.

What matters now is how he responds.

He has to get the players organised, restore confidence and make sure the same mistakes are not repeated. The players also need to take responsibility because the manager cannot defend set-pieces or make tackles for them.

Crystal Palace is the perfect opportunity to respond

Liverpool do not have long to dwell on the disappointment in Turkey.

The next Premier League fixture is away to Crystal Palace on Sunday, and it offers Iraola and his players an opportunity to show that they can respond positively.

It will not be an easy afternoon, but Liverpool need a performance that gives supporters something to believe in again.

I don’t expect everything to be fixed overnight. What I do want to see is more intensity, better organisation and players taking responsibility when things become difficult.

The last thing Liverpool need is for two defeats to turn into a longer run of poor results.

My verdict: Support the manager, but demand improvement

I understand exactly what Iraola is saying.

Liverpool are not suddenly a terrible team because they have lost twice, just as they were not the finished article after a couple of victories.

There needs to be some perspective.

However, that does not mean supporters should simply accept poor performances. We have every right to question the defending, the midfield balance and some of the decisions being made.

I remain patient with Iraola because I believe he deserves the opportunity to build his own team. But patience has to be rewarded with progress.

The manager has challenged his players to correct things. Now we need to see them do exactly that.

Liverpool need a reaction at Crystal Palace – and they need one quickly.

Jamie – (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s search for a new right winger is continuing, with Yankuba Minteh still firmly on the club’s radar as the Reds look ahead to 2027.

The Brighton winger was a serious target last summer, and Liverpool were clearly prepared to spend big to bring him to Anfield. However, Brighton’s valuation proved too high, and a deal failed to materialise.

Now that Minteh has recovered from injury, the possibility of Liverpool returning for him remains an interesting one.

He is not the only attacking player being monitored, either. Chelsea youngster Estêvão is another name attracting interest, with Liverpool expected to be among the clubs keeping a close eye on his situation should he become available.

But there is another important detail in the latest transfer picture: Julian Ward is prioritising a midfield revamp for 2027.

And, in my opinion, that is exactly where Liverpool need to get their recruitment right.

Minteh remains an attractive option for Liverpool

Liverpool’s interest in Minteh is hardly a surprise.

The Gambian international offers something the Reds have been missing: a natural right-sided attacker who is comfortable taking defenders on, using his pace and driving towards goal.

Last summer, Liverpool made two bids for the Brighton forward, reportedly worth £50m and then £60m. Both were rejected, with Brighton understood to value him closer to £70m.

Minteh was keen on the possibility of joining Liverpool, but the clubs could not reach an agreement.

His injury complicated matters, too. Liverpool were not prepared to meet Brighton’s demands for a player who was facing a spell on the sidelines.

With Minteh now back from injury, the situation could be worth revisiting.

He is still young, has Premier League experience and has the attributes to become a dangerous attacking option. If Brighton’s valuation becomes more realistic, I would certainly be interested in seeing Liverpool make another move.

However, I would not want the club to get dragged into another expensive transfer battle.

There are other positions that need attention.

Estêvão is another exciting name to watch

Liverpool also retain an interest in Chelsea’s Brazilian youngster Estêvão.

He is an exciting talent with the technical ability, close control and confidence to cause problems for defenders. If Chelsea were ever prepared to consider letting him leave, Liverpool would surely be interested in joining the race.

But that is a big if.

Chelsea have invested heavily in young talent, and it would be difficult to imagine them willingly allowing a player with Estêvão’s potential to leave without a substantial offer.

Liverpool should certainly keep tabs on his situation, but I would be wary of treating him as a realistic transfer option until there is something more concrete.

Minteh feels like the more straightforward target, particularly given the previous negotiations between Liverpool and Brighton.

Julian Ward must get the midfield rebuild right

This is the part of the transfer picture that interests me most.

Ward is reportedly prioritising a midfield revamp for 2027, and I believe that has to be Liverpool’s biggest recruitment priority.

I have been saying for some time that the midfield is not providing enough quality service to the forwards. Too often, Liverpool lack the creativity, forward passing and physical presence needed to control matches.

We need players who can break lines, win duels, protect the defence and get the ball moving quickly towards our attacking players.

I would love to see Liverpool bring in a proper defensive midfielder with some of the qualities Fabinho gave us at his best.

Trey Nyoni is an exciting young talent and I believe he has a huge future at Anfield, but we cannot put too much responsibility on his shoulders. He needs experienced quality around him, not to be expected to solve Liverpool’s midfield problems on his own.

The same applies to the wider midfield group. Liverpool need better balance, more competition and players who can offer something different.

A new right winger would be welcome, but it will count for very little if the midfield continues to struggle to supply the attack.

Liverpool cannot afford to get their priorities wrong

There is no doubt that Liverpool need to strengthen out wide.

Minteh remains an appealing option, while Estêvão would be an exciting addition if circumstances ever made a move possible.

But I would rather see Liverpool spend their money wisely than chase expensive names simply because they are available.

The midfield needs serious attention, and Ward has a big job ahead of him.

Liverpool need to build a squad capable of competing across all competitions, not just add another attacking player and hope that solves everything.

My verdict: Keep Minteh on the shortlist, monitor Estêvão’s situation and make the midfield rebuild the priority.

If Liverpool get that right, the forwards will have a much better platform to succeed.

Jamie – (The Kopite View)