Andoni Iraola has been speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Bournemouth on Sunday, and there was plenty for Liverpool supporters to take from his latest press conference.
The Reds head into the game with a freshness advantage after making 10 changes for Tuesday night’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham.
However, Iraola knows that won’t necessarily make the trip to the Vitality Stadium straightforward.
Liverpool still have four absentees
Iraola confirmed that Liverpool’s injury situation remains unchanged.
Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain long-term absentees, while Federico Chiesa is also unavailable. Everyone else is fit and available for selection.
That’s obviously encouraging, particularly with Liverpool having come through the Spurs game without picking up any new problems.
And the fact Iraola was able to rotate so heavily in midweek could prove important.
Liverpool have the freshness advantage
Bournemouth played in Europe on Thursday night, beating Real Sociedad 2-1 in Spain, while Liverpool played Spurs on Tuesday.
Iraola admitted that Liverpool should therefore have an advantage in terms of recovery.
But he certainly isn’t taking anything for granted.
He knows Bournemouth extremely well, having spent three years there, and highlighted how difficult the Vitality Stadium can be for visiting teams.
It could be a fascinating afternoon for Iraola personally, but he has made it clear that sentiment will be put to one side once the game begins.
Iraola loved Ngumoha’s response
One of the biggest positives from Tuesday was Rio Ngumoha.
The teenager didn’t have the easiest start against Spurs, but Iraola was particularly pleased with the way he responded.
Ngumoha kept going, took on his opponent and ultimately played a part in Liverpool’s opening goal.
And now he’s been rewarded with another England call-up.
At just 18, that’s a fantastic achievement, especially considering he made his senior England debut earlier this year.
I really like the way Iraola is handling Ngumoha.
He’s not expecting everything to be perfect from an 18-year-old.
He’s looking at how the youngster reacts when things don’t go his way.
That’s arguably just as important as the ability itself.
Liverpool’s wingers can switch sides
Another interesting aspect of Iraola’s comments was his explanation of the freedom Liverpool’s wingers have.
The manager explained that players such as Gakpo and Ngumoha can switch sides during games depending on the opposition and where Liverpool feel they can cause the most damage.
That’s something I really like.
It makes Liverpool harder to predict and gives the players the opportunity to exploit different match-ups.
And Iraola clearly doesn’t want his wingers simply standing on one side of the pitch for 90 minutes.
Barcola will only get better
Iraola was also asked about Bradley Barcola and believes the Frenchman will continue improving as he gets more minutes.
That’s hardly surprising.
Barcola is adapting to English football and a new tactical environment, and he’s already been involved in some big games for Liverpool.
The more he plays, the more comfortable he should become.
And Liverpool have a very healthy situation on the wings right now.
Gakpo, Barcola, Ngumoha and Victor Muñoz are all competing for places, and Iraola admitted that he is happy to have a situation where selecting his wingers isn’t easy.
That’s exactly what you want.
You want players fighting for their place rather than knowing they are guaranteed to start.
Araújo is settling in brilliantly
Iraola also had plenty of praise for Ronald Araújo.
The Liverpool defender has adapted quickly since arriving at Anfield and has already shown his versatility, including playing at right-back.
Iraola said he has been very happy with Araújo’s adaptation and highlighted his physical robustness and willingness to play different positions.
That’s becoming a massive asset for Liverpool.
Having someone capable of playing centre-back and right-back gives Iraola another option when managing the squad and dealing with injuries or different opponents.
And then there’s Wirtz…
Finally, Iraola once again defended Florian Wirtz.
The Liverpool head coach isn’t simply judging him on goals and assists.
He believes Wirtz is contributing across all areas and understands what the team needs from him.
And I think that’s important.
Wirtz hasn’t produced the numbers some expected yet, but he’s still learning his teammates, the league and Iraola’s demands.
The goals and assists will come.
I’m convinced of that.
For now, Iraola seems much more interested in everything Wirtz is doing to help Liverpool function as a team.
And when you look at the options Liverpool now have across the pitch, there is plenty to be encouraged about.
The injury list is still frustrating, but the squad has depth, the competition for places is increasing and several of the summer arrivals are beginning to settle.
Now Liverpool need to take all of that into the Vitality Stadium and turn it into three points.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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