The Kopite View

I’m really looking forward to seeing Conor Bradley back in a Liverpool shirt, but I think we need to be patient with this one.

The latest update suggests his recovery could still require more time than we would like. However, there is one detail that gives Liverpool supporters a little reason for optimism.

Bradley has been included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad, and there is still hope he could play some part before January.

That doesn’t mean his return is imminent, but it does suggest Liverpool have not completely ruled out the possibility of him contributing during the coming months.

And, with the situation at right-back still worth keeping an eye on, that would be a very welcome development.

Bradley has had a long road back

Bradley has been working his way back from a serious knee injury suffered against Arsenal in January, which required surgery.

It has been a frustrating absence for a player who had become an increasingly important option for Liverpool.

Andoni Iraola provided an update in September, explaining that Bradley was still training individually and had only recently started touching the ball again.

The Liverpool manager was clear that there was still work to do before Bradley could return to team training.

That is why I wouldn’t get carried away by the latest reports.

Being able to work with the ball is a positive step, but it is not the same as being ready to train fully, let alone play a competitive match.

Bradley still needs to complete the necessary stages of his rehabilitation and rebuild his match fitness.

Liverpool cannot afford to rush him.

Why his return could be important for Iraola

I think Bradley’s return could make a real difference to Liverpool’s options.

Jeremie Frimpong offers plenty of pace and attacking threat, while Ronald Araújo has provided greater defensive security when used at right-back.

But Bradley brings something different.

He is aggressive in the challenge, willing to get forward and capable of providing the energy Liverpool need on that side of the pitch.

He also knows the club and understands what is expected of him.

For Iraola, having Bradley available again would give him another option rather than forcing him to rely on the same players throughout a demanding season.

And with Liverpool competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups, squad depth matters.

I certainly wouldn’t expect Bradley to walk straight back into the starting XI after such a long absence. He would need time to get up to speed.

But having him available again would be a significant boost.

The Champions League squad detail is encouraging

The fact Bradley was included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad is worth noting.

Liverpool also included other injured players, including Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike, when submitting their squad for the league phase. The club has previously explained that such selections reflected hope that those players could contribute later in the campaign.

It is not a guarantee that Bradley will return before January, of course.

But it does leave the door open.

And if his rehabilitation progresses well over the next few weeks, Liverpool could potentially have another useful player available as the season develops.

For now, the priority has to be getting him back to full fitness rather than setting an exact date.

I’m excited to see him back – whenever that is

I have always liked Bradley’s attitude.

He doesn’t hide from a challenge, and he plays with an intensity that Liverpool supporters appreciate.

He is still young enough to have plenty of development ahead of him, too.

The worst thing would be for Liverpool to bring him back too soon, only for him to suffer another setback.

So, while I would love to see him return before January, I would rather wait a little longer and know that he is genuinely ready.

Liverpool need Conor Bradley fit, not just available.

If he can make a contribution before the turn of the year, brilliant. If his recovery takes longer, the club must give him the time he needs.

There is no point risking his longer-term future for a few extra appearances now.

For the moment, the signs offer some hope, but we should keep our expectations realistic.

Bradley still has work to do.

And when he finally returns to the pitch, I suspect Liverpool fans will be delighted to see him back where he belongs.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

This is the thing I can’t quite get my head around.

Liverpool have spent around £400m on attacking players over the last couple of transfer windows.

Alexander Isak.

Florian Wirtz.

Hugo Ekitike.

Bradley Barcola.

And yet, when Liverpool walk onto the pitch, I’m still not completely convinced where the goals are going to come from.

That sounds ridiculous when you look at the names. It probably is.

But I’m being honest: I’m still worried about Liverpool scoring enough goals.

The money isn’t the problem

Let’s get one thing straight. I don’t think Liverpool have bought bad players.

Quite the opposite.

Isak is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. Wirtz was one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in European football before moving to Anfield. Ekitike showed enough last season to convince Liverpool to spend heavily on him, while Barcola has the pace and directness to cause defenders serious problems.

Liverpool’s squad list officially includes all four, alongside Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha and Víctor Muñoz.

So this isn’t a failure to invest. Liverpool have invested massively.

Opta Analyst estimated that the club spent around £200m on Isak and Ekitike alone, while other analysis has put Liverpool’s attacking spending at more than £400m across the wider recruitment programme.

That is why the question feels so uncomfortable.

Why doesn’t the attack feel more dangerous?

Isak is doing his bit

I’m certainly not blaming Alexander Isak.

He has scored four Premier League goals in his first five appearances, which is an excellent return. The Premier League’s statistics currently list him second in the early 2026/27 goalscoring charts, behind only Erling Haaland.

His goal at Bournemouth showed exactly why Liverpool wanted him. Gakpo did the hard work, Wirtz helped move the attack forward and Isak finished it.

One chance. One goal. Three points.

But that moment also highlighted the wider concern. Liverpool cannot keep relying on one piece of individual quality to get them through games.

Against Bournemouth, the Reds managed only six shots and created very little for long periods. Reuters described it as another match in which Liverpool’s attacking players struggled to gel.

That is not what you expect from a team with this much attacking talent.

Wirtz has to become more influential

This is probably the biggest question of all.

I’m not giving up on Florian Wirtz. Not remotely. But I do want more from him.

Liverpool spent heavily to bring him to Anfield because they believed he could become one of the most influential attacking players in Europe. So far, we have seen flashes rather than sustained control of matches.

That is frustrating because the ability is obvious.

Wirtz finds clever positions, turns away from defenders, plays the final pass and creates opportunities from nothing. Yet too often, Liverpool’s attacks seem to pass around him rather than through him.

That is something Iraola needs to solve.

If Wirtz starts consistently producing the performances Liverpool know he is capable of, the entire attack could look different. He has the quality to connect the midfield and forward line, but Liverpool need to make him central to the way they attack.

Gakpo is one of the positives

Cody Gakpo is probably the attacker I’m most encouraged by.

He has shown that he can contribute even when he isn’t scoring. Liverpool’s official statistics currently give him three goals and five assists in eight appearances in all competitions.

That is an excellent contribution.

His involvement in Isak’s Bournemouth goal was another example of what he can offer. He drove forward, caused problems and helped create the opening.

That is what Liverpool’s attack looks like when its players are aggressive: dangerous.

The problem is that those moments are not happening often enough or lasting long enough. Gakpo is providing a reliable outlet, but Liverpool need more of the team to match his level of involvement.

Maybe the problem is the system

This is where I keep coming back to Andoni Iraola.

I’m still patient with him, and I like what he is trying to do. Liverpool are becoming more aggressive and, defensively, things are beginning to look much better.

The attack, however, has not clicked.

When a team has this much individual quality, it is fair to ask whether the system is getting the best from its players.

Isak needs service. Wirtz needs freedom. Barcola needs space to attack. Gakpo needs to remain involved. The midfield must also move the ball into dangerous areas quickly enough for those players to hurt opponents.

At the moment, Liverpool have too many spells of possession without creating a genuine sense of danger. They can control the ball without controlling the game.

That is what worries me. The issue is not a lack of talent; it is the lack of a consistent attacking structure that allows that talent to combine.

The potential is ridiculous

This is what stops me from becoming overly negative.

Imagine this attack finally clicking.

Isak leading the line. Gakpo attacking from one side. Barcola running at defenders from the other. Wirtz finding pockets of space behind them.

Then you have Szoboszlai, Mac Allister or Gravenberch supplying them.

That is serious attacking talent.

I don’t think Liverpool need another £100m forward. I don’t think the answer is necessarily another signing. They have already spent enough.

Now Iraola has to make the pieces fit.

That is probably the biggest challenge facing him: not finding more quality, but creating the conditions in which the quality already at the club can work together.

Because £400m should buy you goals

That is the uncomfortable truth.

You can talk about patience, new players adapting, injuries and the demands of working under a new manager. All of those factors are legitimate.

But eventually Liverpool have to start looking like a team capable of scoring regularly.

The money has been spent. The talent is there. The supporters are waiting.

And I’m one of them.

I don’t want Liverpool to become a team that wins 1-0 every week because the defence keeps everybody out. I’ll happily take the points, obviously, but with these attacking players, I want to see some bloody goals.

I want to see Isak getting chances. I want Wirtz running games. I want Barcola frightening full-backs. I want Gakpo continuing to be one of our most productive players.

Most of all, I want Iraola to find a way of getting them to work together.

Liverpool haven’t spent £400m on attackers to become a team that scrapes narrow victories.

We’ve bought the players to blow teams away.

I’m still waiting to see it.

And that is why, despite all the money and all the talent, I’m still worried about where Liverpool’s goals are coming from.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

This is the Liverpool training update I wanted to see.

Jérémy Jacquet has returned to team training at the AXA Training Centre ahead of Sunday’s huge meeting with Manchester City.

And after the worry surrounding his hamstring during the international break, I’m taking that as a very positive sign.

There is still no guarantee that Jacquet will start against City.

But seeing him back out on the training pitch with his Liverpool teammates is exactly what supporters wanted.

At least one of Liverpool’s injury worries appears to be moving in the right direction.

Jacquet is back — and that’s massive

Jacquet missed France’s game against Belgium after feeling a strain in his left hamstring.

France made the decision not to risk him, which was sensible after he had started their previous two matches.

Naturally, Liverpool supporters immediately started worrying.

A hamstring problem just days before Manchester City arrive at Anfield is not exactly the sort of news you want during an international break.

But now we’ve seen Jacquet back in training.

And I’m bloody glad.

Because this lad has become hugely important to Liverpool already.

His partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been one of the biggest positives of the season.

Jacquet looks increasingly comfortable alongside the Liverpool captain, and the understanding between the two has been improving with every game.

Losing him for the City game would have been a major blow.

But where are Isak and Gakpo?

This is the part that Liverpool supporters won’t be able to ignore.

There was no sign of Alexander Isak or Cody Gakpo in the training pictures available so far.

That’s obviously not confirmation that either player will miss Sunday.

But it isn’t what we wanted to see either.

Both players returned early from international duty after picking up injuries.

Gakpo suffered an ankle injury with the Netherlands and returned to Liverpool for further assessment.

Isak also left Sweden’s camp after suffering what has been described as a minor thigh injury.

Andoni Iraola has already admitted that both players are currently injured and that Liverpool are waiting to see whether either can recover in time to face City.

So for now, we’re waiting.

And waiting.

And probably checking every single training photograph looking for a glimpse of either of them.

Jacquet being back changes things

If Jacquet is fit enough to play, it gives Iraola a much more settled defence.

Alisson behind Van Dijk and Jacquet.

Araújo continuing at right-back.

Kerkez or Tsimikas on the left.

That is a defensive unit I would feel reasonably comfortable with going into a game against Manchester City.

Especially considering how much Liverpool’s defence has improved recently.

The last thing Iraola needs is to start changing everything around because of injuries.

If Jacquet can play, he stays alongside Van Dijk.

Araújo can remain at right-back rather than being moved inside.

And Liverpool keep the defensive structure that has been developing over the last few weeks.

That’s important.

Now we need some good news about the attack

This is where I’m much more nervous.

Liverpool can cope with losing one attacker.

They can find solutions.

But losing both Isak and Gakpo against Manchester City would be a completely different challenge.

Especially because Hugo Ekitike is already out long term.

Suddenly Liverpool’s attacking options become much thinner.

Bradley Barcola could be asked to play a bigger role.

Rio Ngumoha is another option.

Lewis Koumas has just returned from a very busy international break with Wales.

Victor Muñoz could also come into the equation.

And perhaps Iraola has another solution that none of us are expecting.

That’s what managers are paid to work out.

But let’s be honest.

I’d much rather have Isak and Gakpo available.

This is still a massive game

Manchester City arrive at Anfield having won all five of their league games so far, while Liverpool have made an unbeaten start but drawn three of their seven matches.

Iraola knows exactly how difficult this one will be.

He has already admitted that Liverpool will have to be very good to beat City and praised their attacking threat.

That’s why getting Jacquet back is so important.

Liverpool need their strongest possible team for this.

And right now, at least one piece of good news has arrived.

Jérémy Jacquet is training.

That’s a huge positive.

Now we just need to see Isak and Gakpo walk through those training-ground doors.

I’m not asking for much.

Just two familiar faces in the next set of photographs.

Please, Liverpool.

Give us some good news.

Because Jacquet being back is brilliant.

But I won’t be completely relaxed until I see those two forwards back out there as well.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Okay, this would be absolutely ridiculous.

Liverpool spending £212 million on Kylian Mbappé in the summer of 2027?

I know exactly what the sensible reaction is.

It sounds completely unrealistic.

It sounds like one of those transfer rumours that gets Liverpool supporters dreaming for five minutes before reality kicks in.

But honestly?

I would absolutely love to see it happen.

According to Fichajes, Liverpool are preparing a proposal of €250 million (£212m) for Mbappé and are looking at how they could finance what would be a world-record transfer. The report claims the Reds could even consider selling two high-earning players to help fund the move.

Now, before anybody gets carried away, there is an important point to make.

This is a report, not a confirmed Liverpool bid.

Fichajes is basing the story on claims from Spanish journalist François Gallardo, and other reports have also warned that more sources would be needed before treating the proposed transfer as anything close to certain.

But just imagine it for a moment.

Mbappé at Anfield

There was a time when Liverpool genuinely tried to sign Mbappé.

And we now know just how serious those attempts were.

Mbappé himself has recently revealed that he was close to joining Liverpool when Jürgen Klopp was manager.

His mother was apparently a huge fan of the idea.

She visited Liverpool.

She went to Anfield.

She met people at the club.

And Klopp even had Mbappé and his family on a private jet while explaining his project to the young Frenchman.

Mbappé ultimately chose Paris Saint-Germain because he wanted to remain in his home city.

But he has admitted that Liverpool were very close.

So there is already a fascinating connection between Mbappé and Liverpool.

And now, years later, we’re talking about the possibility of the club trying again.

This time, it would be completely different

Mbappé is no longer the teenager Liverpool were trying to convince to leave Monaco.

He’s one of the biggest stars in world football.

He’s a World Cup winner.

He’s a Ballon d’Or contender.

And he’s currently the superstar of Real Madrid.

Fichajes claims Liverpool are looking at the possibility of taking advantage of growing uncertainty around Mbappé’s relationship with Madrid and are considering an enormous financial package to bring him to England.

There have also been reports that Liverpool have already made contact with Mbappé’s representatives, although, again, that comes from the same Spanish reporting chain and needs to be treated cautiously.

But if there is even a little bit of truth behind it, Liverpool would surely have to explore the opportunity.

Because how often does a player like Mbappé become remotely available?

Would Liverpool really spend £212m?

This is the part that makes me laugh.

Liverpool have spent enormous amounts of money in recent transfer windows.

We’ve already seen huge fees spent on the likes of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

But £212 million?

That would take things to another level.

It would smash the current world transfer record.

And that’s why the report says Liverpool are already considering how they would finance the deal, potentially through the sale of two high earners.

Would I sell two players to sign Mbappé?

If we’re talking about the right circumstances, probably.

Because we’re not talking about buying a promising youngster for £212m.

We’re talking about signing one of the best forwards on the planet.

And imagine Liverpool’s attack

This is where it gets silly.

Imagine Mbappé alongside the attacking players Liverpool already have.

Imagine the pace.

Imagine the movement.

Imagine defenders having to deal with Mbappé running in behind while also worrying about Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo or whoever else is still at Anfield by 2027.

It would be frightening.

And there’s another reason I like the idea.

Mbappé wouldn’t necessarily have to play as a traditional left winger.

He has shown that he can operate centrally.

That could potentially make the idea of Liverpool signing another world-class attacker much easier to accommodate.

But I’m not getting carried away

This is where I’m going to be sensible.

£212m is an enormous amount of money.

Even for Liverpool.

And I don’t think we should pretend that this transfer is about to happen.

Mbappé is under contract at Real Madrid, and Madrid have every reason to want to keep one of the biggest stars in world football.

The reports about his future are also coming from a relatively small number of sources at this stage.

So there is a massive difference between:

“Liverpool are preparing a £212m Mbappé bid.”

and:

“Liverpool will sign Kylian Mbappé for £212m.”

We’re nowhere near the second statement.

But I still think the story is fascinating.

Because Mbappé has already admitted that Liverpool were once very close to signing him.

And now we’re hearing claims that the club could try again.

Could this be Liverpool’s next statement signing?

This is the part that really gets me excited.

Liverpool have already shown that they are willing to spend serious money when they believe a player can transform the team.

Wirtz.

Isak.

Those deals showed a different level of ambition.

But Mbappé?

That would be the ultimate statement.

It would be Liverpool saying:

We’re not just trying to compete with Europe’s biggest clubs anymore.

We’re going after their biggest players.

And if the reports about Liverpool looking at how to finance the deal are true, it would show just how seriously the club are considering the possibility.

I’m not expecting it.

I’m certainly not planning the parade yet.

But I can’t lie.

I want to believe it.

Because imagine Mbappé walking out at Anfield in a Liverpool shirt.

Imagine that first Champions League night.

Imagine him scoring in front of the Kop.

Imagine Jürgen Klopp watching from somewhere and thinking:

“I told you to come here years ago.”

That would be some story.

For now, though, I’m treating this exactly as it should be treated:

an absolutely huge transfer rumour that needs much more evidence.

But if Liverpool really are considering a £212 million move for Kylian Mbappé in 2027?

I’m sorry.

I’m all for it.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There is something I really like about Ronald Araújo.

It isn’t just what he is doing on the pitch.

It’s the way he talks about Liverpool.

Because when a player arrives at a new club, particularly somebody coming from Barcelona, you never really know how quickly they are going to settle.

Araújo clearly hasn’t had that problem.

He already feels at home at Liverpool.

And his latest comments explain why.

“Very, very comfortable”

Speaking to the Uruguayan FA’s official media, Araújo was asked about life at Liverpool.

His answer was exactly what Liverpool supporters will want to hear.

“Truthfully, I am very happy. Very, very comfortable. From the first moment I arrived, they made me feel very at ease.”

He then went on to explain that his teammates, the coaching staff and the supporters have all played a part in making him feel at home.

And I think that is important.

Because settling into a new club isn’t just about football.

You can be a brilliant player, but if you don’t feel comfortable away from the pitch, it can affect everything you do on it.

Araújo clearly feels comfortable.

And we’re seeing the benefits.

Liverpool fans have taken to him too

I don’t think anybody expected Araújo to settle quite as quickly as he has.

He arrived from Barcelona and initially there was the obvious question of where exactly he would play.

Centre-back?

Right-back?

Could he adapt to Iraola’s system?

Well, we’ve already got our answer.

He can play both.

And his performances at right-back have been particularly interesting.

Araújo has given Liverpool a completely different option on that side.

He’s strong.

He’s aggressive.

He’s comfortable defending one-on-one.

And, perhaps most importantly, he looks like somebody who genuinely enjoys the responsibility.

Liverpool supporters have responded to that.

And Araújo says the feeling is mutual.

“The team-mates, the coaching staff and obviously the fans, they made me feel at home from the start.”

That’s a lovely thing for a player to say.

But then he explained why it matters.

“That helps. It gives you confidence to perform on the pitch and give your all.”

And there it is.

That’s exactly what we are seeing.

Confidence is a huge part of football

I think supporters sometimes underestimate how important confidence is for a footballer.

A player who feels trusted will often play differently from somebody who feels he has to prove himself every single minute.

Araújo clearly feels trusted at Liverpool.

Iraola has used him.

His teammates have welcomed him.

The supporters have taken to him.

And now he’s playing with confidence.

That doesn’t guarantee everything will work perfectly, of course.

But it gives a player the best possible chance of succeeding.

And Liverpool have certainly seen that with Araújo.

He’s becoming a very important player

What I particularly like is that Araújo hasn’t just come in and filled a gap.

He’s actually created a selection headache for Iraola.

And I mean that as a compliment.

If he stays at right-back, Liverpool have a very strong defensive option there.

If Iraola needs him at centre-back, he can play there too.

That flexibility is hugely valuable over a long season.

Especially when you consider the number of matches Liverpool are going to play.

And we’ve already seen how important defensive solidity has become for this Liverpool team.

Virgil van Dijk is still the leader.

Jérémy Jacquet is developing brilliantly.

Alisson remains one of the best goalkeepers around.

And now Araújo is giving Iraola another incredibly physical and versatile defender.

That’s some foundation.

And then there’s the permanent question

This is where I think Liverpool supporters will be paying very close attention.

Araújo is only on loan at Liverpool, with the club holding an option to make the move permanent for a reported €55m.

Now, there is still a long way to go before Liverpool have to make that decision.

But comments like these certainly won’t hurt his case.

Neither will his performances.

Because when you sign a player, you want more than just ability.

You want somebody who wants to be there.

Somebody who enjoys playing for the club.

Somebody who connects with the supporters.

And somebody who looks comfortable in the environment.

Araújo appears to tick all of those boxes.

I really like what I’m seeing

I’ll be honest, I didn’t know exactly what to expect from Araújo when he arrived.

I knew he was a top defender.

I knew he had experience at Barcelona.

I knew he was physically capable of playing in the Premier League.

But I wasn’t expecting him to settle quite this quickly.

And I certainly wasn’t expecting to be talking about him as one of Liverpool’s more dependable defensive options this early.

Yet here we are.

He’s comfortable.

He’s confident.

He’s enjoying his football.

And he’s clearly enjoying playing for Liverpool.

That’s a pretty good combination.

The football will ultimately decide whether Liverpool make his move permanent.

But when the player himself is saying he feels “very, very comfortable” and that the club and supporters have made him feel at home from the moment he arrived, I think Liverpool fans can take plenty of encouragement from that.

And judging by what we’ve seen on the pitch so far, I think the feeling is becoming increasingly mutual.

Ronald Araújo feels at home at Liverpool.

And, if he keeps playing like this, I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool start thinking about making that home permanent.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

This is exactly what I wanted to see from Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool are currently leading the Premier League for the percentage of their passes that are progressive, with 16.1 per cent of their passes moving the ball significantly closer to the opposition goal, according to The Athletic.

And when I look at Liverpool under Iraola, it actually makes perfect sense.

Because one thing has been obvious since the new manager arrived at Anfield:

He wants Liverpool to move the ball forward.

Quickly.

Aggressively.

With purpose.

And now we have the numbers to back it up.

Liverpool aren’t interested in passing for the sake of it

This is probably one of the biggest changes I have noticed.

Liverpool don’t want endless possession just for the sake of saying they had 65 or 70 per cent of the ball.

The whole point is to do something with it.

Get the ball.

Move it forward.

Attack.

That seems to be the message from Iraola.

And Liverpool’s statistics are beginning to reflect that.

Opta’s analysis of Liverpool’s start to the season found that the Reds are averaging 15.38 metres of progress per possession sequence, with only Manchester United moving the ball up the pitch faster. Liverpool’s direct speed has also increased compared with last season.

Even more interestingly, Liverpool are averaging 3.9 passes per sequence, down from 4.2 last season.

That’s not a massive difference.

But it tells us something.

Liverpool are becoming more vertical.

And that’s what I wanted from Iraola

When Liverpool appointed Iraola, I didn’t expect him to come in and simply copy what Jurgen Klopp or Arne Slot had done.

I wanted something different.

I wanted attacking intent.

I wanted Liverpool to play on the front foot.

And I wanted opponents to feel uncomfortable when Liverpool had the ball.

We’re still a long way from seeing the finished version of this Liverpool team.

There have been frustrating performances.

There have been games where the attack has looked disjointed.

And there have certainly been moments when I’ve wondered exactly how Iraola is going to get all of these attacking players working together.

But the underlying idea is becoming clearer.

Liverpool want to go forward.

Just look at the players Iraola has to work with

This is where it gets really exciting for me.

Florian Wirtz.

Alexander Isak.

Cody Gakpo.

Bradley Barcola.

Dominik Szoboszlai.

Alexis Mac Allister.

And then you’ve got players behind them who are capable of starting attacks quickly.

Virgil van Dijk can play those passes from deep.

Ronald Araújo can carry the ball forward.

Jérémy Jacquet is becoming increasingly comfortable stepping into midfield.

And Liverpool have midfielders who are willing to receive the ball and immediately look forward.

That fits Iraola’s football.

And perhaps that’s why we’re seeing this progressive passing figure.

The important thing is what happens next

Being top of the Premier League for progressive passes is nice.

But it doesn’t win you football matches on its own.

That’s the bit Liverpool still have to get right.

Progressive passes have to become chances.

Chances have to become goals.

And goals have to become wins.

That’s where Liverpool have sometimes struggled this season.

We’ve seen plenty of attacking intent without always getting the reward.

But I’d much rather see Liverpool trying to break teams down by moving the ball forward than becoming overly cautious and passing sideways because they’re afraid of losing possession.

That’s part of the learning process.

Iraola is trying to establish an identity.

And I think we’re starting to see it.

It could become frightening when everything clicks

This is the part that gives me hope.

Imagine Liverpool keeping this level of progressive passing but becoming more efficient in the final third.

Imagine Wirtz receiving the ball between the lines and immediately having Isak running beyond him.

Imagine Barcola getting the ball with space in front of him.

Imagine Gakpo combining with Isak.

Imagine Szoboszlai arriving late into the box.

That’s the Liverpool Iraola wants.

And if they can eventually combine that attacking speed with the defensive solidity we’ve started to see, then this team could become seriously difficult to play against.

We’ve already seen the defence improving.

Now the numbers suggest the attacking philosophy is beginning to take shape too.

I’m actually encouraged by this

I’ll be honest, I think statistics like this are more interesting than simply looking at possession percentages.

Liverpool can have 60 per cent possession and still not necessarily hurt an opponent.

But if a significant percentage of those passes are taking the ball towards the opposition goal, that’s different.

That’s purposeful possession.

That’s attacking football.

And that’s what I wanted to see from Iraola.

There will still be frustrating afternoons.

There will still be games where Liverpool need to be more clinical.

And there will still be plenty for the manager to improve.

But 16.1 per cent progressive passes tells us something important.

Liverpool are not trying to become a team that simply controls games.

They are trying to become a team that moves through teams.

And for me, that’s exactly the direction they should be heading.

The football isn’t perfect yet.

Far from it.

But the identity is beginning to appear.

And when Iraola finally gets everything clicking?

I think Liverpool could be a hell of a lot of fun to watch.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There are certain days in football you remember exactly where you were.

For Liverpool supporters, October 8, 2015, is one of them.

Nine years ago today, Jürgen Klopp was officially appointed Liverpool manager. Looking back, it is difficult to believe how much changed after that announcement.

Liverpool were not the finished article. We were not challenging for everything, nor were we the European powerhouse we would eventually become.

But something was about to happen.

The doubters were about to become believers.

“We have to change from doubters to believers”

I’ll never forget that line.

Klopp had not even managed a game, yet he was already talking about belief. It was not some carefully prepared managerial statement. This was Klopp.

He arrived from Borussia Dortmund with a huge reputation, a massive personality and a style of football Liverpool supporters desperately wanted to see.

The club confirmed his appointment on October 8, 2015, before his famous unveiling at Anfield the following day. Liverpool’s own account of his arrival captured the excitement around Merseyside, with supporters even tracking his flight from Germany.

And then Klopp said it:

“We have to change from doubters to believers.”

He was not wrong.

The transformation didn’t happen overnight

That is worth remembering.

Klopp did not walk through the door and immediately win the Premier League. Liverpool had to endure some painful moments first.

There was the Europa League final defeat to Sevilla. There was the Champions League final loss to Real Madrid. There were title races in which Manchester City somehow kept finding another gear.

There were injuries, difficult periods and matches when Liverpool looked nowhere near the finished article.

But gradually, the team changed.

The intensity increased. So did the standards. Anfield changed, and the relationship between the players and supporters became something special.

Suddenly, Liverpool were not just competing anymore.

We were bloody good.

Then came Madrid

The 2018/19 season still feels slightly surreal.

Liverpool had just finished a Premier League campaign with 97 points and somehow had not won the title. It was heartbreaking.

But Klopp’s team had another chance: the Champions League final against Tottenham.

This time, Liverpool got it right.

Mohamed Salah scored early. Divock Origi finished it late. Liverpool were champions of Europe.

Jürgen Klopp had delivered the Champions League.

Liverpool’s sixth European Cup remains the most recent in the club’s history.

But Klopp was not finished.

Not even close.

Then he gave us the title we had waited 30 years for

This is the moment that defines his Liverpool reign for me.

The Premier League.

Thirty years.

Think about that: thirty years of waiting, watching other teams celebrate and wondering when Liverpool would finally lift that trophy again.

And Klopp did it.

The 2019/20 Liverpool team were magnificent, finishing with 99 points and finally bringing the league title back to Anfield.

I’ll never forget the feeling, or how much Klopp meant to supporters during that period.

He did not just give Liverpool a trophy. He restored belief that the club could compete at the very highest level.

And there was still more to come

The Champions League.

The Premier League.

The UEFA Super Cup.

The Club World Cup.

The FA Cup.

The League Cup.

The Community Shield.

Seven major honours.

Liverpool’s official anniversary feature described Klopp’s near-nine-year reign as a “thrilling and transformative journey” that delivered seven major honours and countless memories.

But what made Klopp’s time at Liverpool so special was not simply the trophies.

It was the moments.

Alisson running forward for that corner against West Brom. Origi against Everton. The comeback against Barcelona. The night Liverpool beat Tottenham in Madrid. The parade. The emotion of winning the league. The 7-0 against Manchester United. The late goals, the celebrations and the hugs.

The bloody chaos of it all.

Klopp gave Liverpool their identity back

That is what I will remember most.

Liverpool became a team supporters could identify with again. We played with aggression, emotion and belief.

Klopp understood what Liverpool meant to people. He understood Anfield and the supporters. He knew football was not just about tactics and statistics; it was about how you make people feel.

He made Liverpool supporters feel something that had been missing for too long.

Hope.

Nine years on, I still miss him

That is probably the strangest thing.

Even after everything that happened, and after Klopp eventually decided it was time to leave, I still find myself watching Liverpool and thinking:

I miss that mad German.

I miss the celebrations, the interviews, the jokes and the emotion. I miss watching Liverpool under a manager who seemed to understand exactly what the club meant to its supporters.

Andoni Iraola now has the responsibility of creating his own Liverpool story.

That is football. Managers come and go. Players come and go. But some people leave a mark that lasts forever.

Jürgen Klopp is one of those people.

October 8, 2015 changed everything

When Liverpool announced Klopp nine years ago, nobody could have known exactly what was coming.

We did not know about Madrid, the Premier League title, Barcelona, Istanbul-style European nights or seven major trophies. We certainly did not know how many incredible memories were waiting for us.

All we knew was that Liverpool had appointed Jürgen Klopp.

Then he told us what he wanted:

Doubters into believers.

Looking back now, I would say he bloody well did it.

For everything he gave Liverpool Football Club, I’ll always be grateful.

Happy anniversary, Jürgen.

You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Steven Gerrard has picked his Liverpool Mount Rushmore.

And I absolutely love his choices.

There were only four places available.

He could have picked himself.

He could have picked Bob Paisley.

He could have picked John Barnes, Graeme Souness, Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush or Mohamed Salah.

Instead, Gerrard went for:

Bill Shankly.

Kenny Dalglish.

Ian Rush.

Mohamed Salah.

And do you know what?

I think he got it spot on.

The fact Gerrard left himself out makes it even better

Let’s start with the obvious one.

Steven Gerrard is arguably Liverpool’s greatest-ever player.

Liverpool’s own 2026 countdown actually had Gerrard at No.1, ahead of Dalglish, Rush, Salah and Barnes.

So Gerrard could quite easily have put himself on that Mount Rushmore.

He didn’t.

That tells you something about the man.

Instead, he looked at Liverpool’s history as a whole and picked four people who represent completely different eras of the club.

And I think that’s what makes the list so good.

Bill Shankly had to be there

You can’t really have a Liverpool Mount Rushmore without Bill Shankly.

He wasn’t just a successful manager.

He helped create the Liverpool we know today.

Shankly transformed Liverpool from a club that had spent years outside the very top level of English football into one capable of dominating England and competing for European honours.

Gerrard described Shankly as being “the one who represents us all” when explaining his choice.

That’s probably the perfect way of putting it.

Shankly is part of the foundation.

Without him, the rest of the story might look very different.

And for Gerrard, who grew up in Liverpool surrounded by the club’s history, Shankly clearly represents something bigger than trophies.

He represents the beginning of the modern Liverpool identity.

Then there’s King Kenny

This one was never going to surprise me.

Kenny Dalglish is Liverpool royalty.

And Gerrard explained that Dalglish was actually his father’s hero, meaning he grew up watching him and learning about him.

Gerrard said:

“We watched every game, every clip, every goal.”

He also described Dalglish as “our king” and praised him as a top person and top coach.

That’s the thing about Dalglish.

You don’t just judge him as a player.

You judge him as a player, manager and figurehead who became deeply connected with Liverpool Football Club.

Six league titles as a player and three European Cups are just part of the story.

He also returned as manager and won three more league titles.

There’s a reason he’s called King Kenny.

Ian Rush is an easy choice

Then comes the goals.

Lots and lots of goals.

346 of them.

Ian Rush remains Liverpool’s all-time leading goalscorer, and that record tells you almost everything you need to know.

Gerrard’s reasoning was simple.

“He’s our top scorer. I think he deserves to be in there.”

You can’t really argue with that.

Rush wasn’t just prolific.

He was one of the defining players of Liverpool’s greatest era.

He won five league titles, five League Cups, three FA Cups and two European Cups with Liverpool.

And when you talk about Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, his name has to be somewhere near the very top.

And then Gerrard chose Salah

This is probably the most interesting selection.

Mohamed Salah is the only player from the modern era on Gerrard’s Mount Rushmore.

And considering Salah has only recently left Liverpool, that says an awful lot about how highly Gerrard rates him.

Salah spent nine years at Liverpool, scored 257 goals in 442 appearances and won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups and the FA Cup. Liverpool’s own greatest-players countdown placed him fourth, behind Gerrard, Dalglish and Rush.

That’s some company.

And Gerrard has previously been absolutely clear about Salah’s ability.

When Liverpool paid tribute to Salah before his departure, Gerrard said that even when he was at his own peak, he felt certain players operated on another level — and included Salah in that group alongside players such as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Messi and Zidane.

So perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that Salah made the Mount Rushmore.

But I still love the fact he did.

What about Klopp?

This is where things get really interesting.

Jürgen Klopp doesn’t make it.

And I don’t think Gerrard is making some massive statement by leaving him out.

There are only four places.

That’s the problem with a Mount Rushmore.

Someone brilliant is always going to miss out.

Klopp transformed Liverpool.

He won the Champions League.

He won the Premier League.

He brought the belief back.

He gave supporters some of the greatest nights they’ve ever experienced.

But if you’re trying to represent the entire history of Liverpool Football Club, I can understand why Gerrard went for Shankly, Dalglish, Rush and Salah.

And Bob Paisley missing out is probably even more painful.

Six league titles.

Three European Cups.

Yet somehow there are only four spaces.

That’s Liverpool’s history for you.

And Gerrard’s own omission says everything

For me, this is the bit I like most.

Gerrard didn’t need to put himself there.

He could have said:

“I’m picking myself.”

Nobody would have been able to tell him he was wrong.

Instead, he picked four other Liverpool legends.

And there is a nice symmetry to the list.

Shankly built the foundations.

Dalglish became the King.

Rush scored the goals.

Salah carried the modern era.

Four completely different figures.

Four different generations.

But all absolutely enormous parts of Liverpool’s story.

And maybe that’s why Gerrard’s list works so well.

I’m not saying it’s the only correct Mount Rushmore.

There isn’t one.

Ask ten Liverpool supporters and you’ll probably get ten different answers.

But if somebody asked me to pick four and told me I wasn’t allowed to complain about the players I left out?

I’d be very tempted to copy Gerrard.

Bill Shankly.

Kenny Dalglish.

Ian Rush.

Mohamed Salah.

And Steven Gerrard standing beside them, refusing to put himself on the mountain.

That’s a pretty bloody good Liverpool Mount Rushmore.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

I never thought I’d say this, but I genuinely think Liverpool could have a lot of neutral supporters cheering them on this Sunday.

And you know what?

I completely understand it.

Liverpool against Manchester City at Anfield is normally a fixture where supporters of other clubs can sit back, enjoy the spectacle and hope both teams somehow lose.

But this time feels different.

Because Manchester City aren’t just arriving at Anfield as Liverpool’s biggest rivals in the title race.

They are arriving as the team that currently sits top of the Premier League, unbeaten after five matches, and at the centre of a financial controversy that has caused enormous anger across English football.

City have appealed the ruling and continue to deny wrongdoing, but the fallout has changed the atmosphere around the club and this fixture.

Many supporters now believe City have been found guilty of cheating, and that is why so many football fans will be hoping to see them lose.

And suddenly, I can imagine plenty of football fans thinking:

“Come on Liverpool.”

Even I’d want United to beat City

Here’s how I know things have changed.

If Manchester United were playing Manchester City on Sunday instead of Liverpool, I’d want Manchester United to win.

There.

I’ve said it.

And I’m not sure I’ve ever felt comfortable saying that before.

If United needed three points against City to stop them pulling away at the top of the table, I’d be cheering them on.

I’d probably need a shower afterwards.

But I’d still want it.

Because there are certain teams where your hatred of the opposition temporarily becomes stronger than your hatred of the team you’re supporting.

For me, Manchester City have reached that level.

And I suspect I’m not alone.

This isn’t really about Liverpool

That’s the funny thing.

Liverpool supporters obviously want Liverpool to win because we want the three points.

We want to beat City.

We want the bragging rights.

We want to see Iraola’s team make a statement.

And after Liverpool’s unbeaten start, a victory over the league leaders would be a huge moment for this new Liverpool side.

But for supporters of other clubs, there is another reason to want Liverpool to win.

They simply don’t want City winning.

That feeling has become even stronger because City have been found guilty of cheating, according to the ruling that has sparked such widespread controversy. Their appeal and continued denials mean the matter is not finished, but many fans have already made up their minds.

They believe City gained an unfair advantage and should now be punished for it.

That’s football.

Rivalries are complicated.

You can dislike Liverpool but still find yourself cheering for them when they’re playing a team you dislike even more.

I know I’d do exactly the same.

If United were playing City and a United victory helped prevent City from winning another Premier League title, I’d be absolutely delighted.

I’d probably refuse to admit it publicly.

But I’d be delighted.

City are still the team to beat

And that’s why Sunday’s game is so important.

City have started the season perfectly, taking 15 points from their opening five league matches and sitting at the top of the table. They are also chasing a sixth consecutive top-flight victory when they arrive at Anfield.

Liverpool, meanwhile, remain unbeaten and have already shown signs that Iraola is building something.

The Reds beat Bournemouth 1-0 in their last league game before the international break, while City put five past Sunderland in a crazy 5-3 victory.

So this isn’t simply another early-season fixture.

It’s Liverpool trying to close the gap on the leaders.

It’s City trying to maintain their perfect start.

And it’s the first meeting between the clubs since the latest developments in City’s financial case.

That’s quite a backdrop for a Sunday afternoon at Anfield.

I think neutrals will be watching Liverpool closely

There’s something else I find interesting.

Liverpool haven’t exactly been everybody’s favourite club over the years.

Let’s be honest.

We know that.

But City have spent years dominating English football, winning titles and becoming the team that everybody else has had to chase.

Liverpool have been one of the few clubs capable of consistently pushing them.

Those incredible title races under Jürgen Klopp showed just how difficult it was to compete with Guardiola’s City.

Liverpool finished with 97 points in 2018/19 and still didn’t win the league.

Then they collected 92 points in 2021/22 and again finished second.

That’s how ridiculous the standards became.

So perhaps there is something appealing to neutral supporters about seeing Liverpool put another dent in City’s dominance.

Even if they don’t particularly like Liverpool.

And now, because City have been found guilty of cheating, there is an even stronger sense among rival supporters that they want to see the club lose.

They don’t want City rewarded with another title.

They don’t want City’s dominance to continue.

And they certainly don’t want a club found guilty of financial wrongdoing to keep collecting trophies as if nothing happened.

And then there’s Anfield

I can’t wait to see the atmosphere.

The match is confirmed for 4.30pm on Sunday, October 11, with City travelling to Anfield.

Liverpool supporters are going to be fired up.

The City players know exactly what is coming.

And after everything that has happened around the financial ruling, this could be one of the most hostile atmospheres City have faced at Anfield.

Gary Neville has already predicted a particularly difficult reception, while reports have suggested the match could have a feeling unlike an ordinary Premier League fixture.

And honestly?

Bring it on.

This is what football is supposed to feel like.

Big game.

Big rivalry.

Big atmosphere.

And now, potentially, a whole lot of neutrals quietly hoping Liverpool can do something to stop City.

Not simply because they support Liverpool.

Not because they suddenly admire the club.

But because they want to see Manchester City lose after being found guilty of cheating.

I don’t actually care who is cheering

That’s the other thing.

Liverpool don’t need neutral supporters.

They don’t need Manchester United fans singing our songs.

They don’t need Arsenal supporters suddenly pretending they love Liverpool.

They don’t need anybody else.

We just need our own supporters behind the team.

Because ultimately, this isn’t about what Manchester United fans think.

It isn’t about Arsenal.

It isn’t about Chelsea.

It isn’t about Tottenham.

It’s Liverpool against Manchester City.

And I know exactly which side I want to win.

Liverpool.

Every single time.

But if United were playing City instead?

I’d be cheering United.

And that’s when you know just how much people want to see Manchester City beaten.

They want City to lose because they believe the club cheated.

They want City to lose because they are tired of watching them dominate English football.

They want City to lose because they don’t believe a team found guilty of financial wrongdoing should continue winning trophies without serious consequences.

So will every football fan be wanting Liverpool to win on Sunday?

Probably not.

But I reckon there will be an awful lot more people shouting “Come on Liverpool!” than we’d normally expect.

And for once, I’m perfectly happy to accept their support.

Just don’t expect me to return the favour next weekend.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Some Liverpool games feel different days before kick-off.

Manchester City’s visit to Anfield on Sunday is one of them.

This is already a huge Premier League fixture between two clubs who have pushed each other to extraordinary levels. But following Manchester City’s verdict for serious financial rule breaches, the occasion carries an added edge.

Liverpool legend John Aldridge knows exactly what Anfield can become when the supporters and players are fully engaged.

His message is simple:

Liverpool need to turn it on.

The players, the supporters and everyone inside the stadium.

This is what Anfield is made for

Aldridge understands that Anfield can become something different on the biggest nights.

It is not just about volume. It is the anticipation before kick-off, the reaction to every tackle and attack, and the pressure created whenever the opposition makes a mistake.

When the Kop gets going, it can become incredibly difficult for visiting teams to settle.

That is what Liverpool need on Sunday.

City arrive as league leaders and remain unbeaten, so nobody should underestimate the challenge.

But Liverpool have something City cannot control:

The atmosphere.

The fans have every right to make themselves heard

Liverpool supporters are understandably angry following the Premier League’s verdict against Manchester City. The club has appealed, and the legal process continues, but this will be City’s first visit to Anfield since the ruling.

Gary Neville has already predicted an extraordinary atmosphere, describing what he expects to be a potentially “brutal” day for City.

Aldridge knows the rivalry better than most. He played for Liverpool, supported Liverpool and understands what it means to walk out at Anfield for a massive game.

The supporters will be ready.

But the atmosphere cannot win the match on its own. The players must give the crowd something to feed off.

That’s where Iraola’s team come in

Liverpool have improved defensively under Andoni Iraola. The back four looks more settled, Jérémy Jacquet has grown in confidence, Virgil van Dijk continues to lead the defence, Ronald Araújo has looked increasingly comfortable and Alisson remains capable of producing match-changing moments.

Against Manchester City, though, Liverpool will need more than defensive solidity.

They must be brave, press with purpose and attack whenever they win the ball back.

This is not the game to be timid.

Imagine the first 20 minutes

Liverpool come flying out.

The crowd are on top of City from the first whistle. A big tackle brings a huge roar. A Liverpool attack nearly produces a goal. The Kop gets louder. City make a mistake, Liverpool win a corner and the noise rises again.

That is how an atmosphere becomes overwhelming.

But the players have to start it. They must show the supporters that they are ready for the fight.

If they do, Anfield can take care of the rest.

This could be one of those days

Liverpool and Manchester City have produced title deciders, spectacular goals and matches in which one side played brilliantly but still failed to get what it deserved.

There have also been games when Anfield seemed to drag Liverpool over the line.

That is what makes Sunday so fascinating.

Liverpool are facing the team at the top of the Premier League, and they are not expected to simply roll City over.

But football is not played on paper.

And this is Anfield.

Aldridge knows what Liverpool need

That is why Aldridge’s message matters.

He is not speaking only to the supporters. He is challenging the whole club.

Turn it on.

Make the occasion mean something. Give the crowd something to believe in, then see what happens.

When Anfield is loud, aggressive and united, Liverpool can become a completely different proposition. If Iraola’s team match that intensity on the pitch, City could be in for a very uncomfortable afternoon.

Let’s make Anfield count

There is always an extra edge to Liverpool against Manchester City: the history, the title races and the rivalry.

This time, City are also returning to Anfield for the first time since the ruling.

Liverpool supporters should not spend the afternoon worrying about what City might do. They should focus on what Liverpool can do.

Get behind the team.

Make the noise.

Let City know exactly what sort of afternoon awaits them.

Then let the players do their job.

John Aldridge is right.

This is a game where Liverpool need to turn it on.

Jamie (The Kopite View)