Jamie Carragher has never been afraid to speak his mind about Liverpool, and his latest comments on Andoni Iraola will probably strike a chord with plenty of supporters.
The former Liverpool defender admits he was initially sceptical about the appointment, but is now moving towards cautious optimism after seeing Iraola’s ideas begin to take shape at Anfield.
I have to say, I understand where Carragher was coming from.
When Liverpool appointed Iraola, there were obvious questions about whether he had the experience required to manage a club of this size. He had done an excellent job at Bournemouth, but taking charge of Liverpool is an entirely different challenge.
He had never won a major trophy as a manager and had no previous experience of managing in European competition.
Those were legitimate concerns, not criticism for the sake of it.
Why Carragher had his doubts about Iraola
Liverpool are not a club where a manager is given unlimited time to learn on the job.
The expectation is to compete for trophies, challenge at the top of the Premier League and make an impact in Europe. That is the pressure that comes with managing one of the biggest clubs in world football.
Carragher’s concern was whether Iraola had the credentials to make that step up.
There is a massive difference between doing a brilliant job at Bournemouth and managing Liverpool, where every decision is scrutinised and every disappointing result becomes a major talking point.
However, what matters now is what Iraola is doing with the opportunity.
Iraola is beginning to show his vision
One thing I have liked about Iraola is that he hasn’t been afraid to make difficult decisions.
He has shown a willingness to leave established players out when their performances haven’t been good enough, while giving younger players opportunities to make an impression.
That is important.
Reputation should never guarantee somebody a place in the Liverpool starting eleven. If a player isn’t performing, somebody else should get the opportunity.
There have been encouraging signs in the way Liverpool are playing, too. The intensity, attacking intent and willingness to fight their way back into matches are qualities that supporters want to see.
The comeback against Villarreal was a perfect example. Liverpool found themselves in serious trouble but refused to give up, eventually turning the game around in a dramatic 4-3 victory.
That sort of character is something the supporters want to see more regularly.
Liverpool supporters are starting to believe again
I don’t think Carragher is alone in changing his opinion.
There were plenty of Liverpool supporters who questioned the appointment, myself included, because of the lack of trophies and European experience.
But managers have to be judged on what they deliver, not simply what they have won previously.
Iraola earned his opportunity through the work he did at Bournemouth. Now he has the chance to prove he can take those ideas to a much bigger stage.
There is still plenty to improve, and I certainly wouldn’t suggest Liverpool are suddenly ready to dominate English football again.
The defensive organisation needs to become more consistent, the midfield still needs the right balance and the squad has weaknesses that cannot be ignored.
But there is a growing feeling that something is beginning to take shape.
Carragher is right to remain cautious
I actually agree with Carragher’s use of the words ‘cautious optimism’.
Liverpool have had encouraging results and there are signs of progress, but we need to see that level maintained over a much longer period.
Winning a few matches is one thing. Handling the pressure of competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups is another.
Iraola will face difficult periods, injuries and criticism. That is inevitable at Anfield.
The real test will be how he responds when things aren’t going his way.
But I would much rather see Liverpool building towards an identifiable style of football than constantly changing direction without a clear plan.
My verdict: Give Iraola the time to build something
I was concerned when Liverpool appointed Iraola, and I don’t think supporters should be criticised for having those doubts.
However, I’m beginning to see why the club wanted him.
He has brought energy, a willingness to make tough decisions and an attacking approach that can get the Anfield crowd off their seats.
Carragher’s change in opinion is significant because he has been one of the more sceptical voices since the appointment.
Nobody is claiming Iraola has proved everything yet. He hasn’t.
But if he continues to get the best out of this squad, improves the balance of the team and keeps Liverpool competing for trophies, those early doubts will become a distant memory.
For now, I’m happy to be cautiously optimistic. Iraola has earned the opportunity to show Liverpool supporters what he can build at Anfield.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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