EPL: Liverpool need more wingers, says Iraola

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has admitted that the club need to sign more wingers as they prepare for their first Premier League season without Mohamed Salah since 2016-17.

Iraola will take charge of his first league match as Liverpool boss on Sunday when the Reds travel to Newcastle, following his appointment as replacement for Arne Slot during the summer.

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Salah joined Turkish club Trabzonspor earlier this month, ending his iconic spell at Anfield, where he scored 257 goals and won several major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.

Liverpool’s attacking options have also been affected by Hugo Ekitike’s injury and uncertainty surrounding Cody Gakpo’s future.

The Reds signed Victor Munoz during the summer and also have Federico Chiesa and teenager Rio Ngumoha available, but Iraola believes more options are needed in the wide areas.

“In terms of what we need, there are certain situations that, for me, are clear, especially on the wing because we do not have enough players able to play in those positions,” Iraola told reporters on Friday.

“Beyond those positions, I think we have to be open-minded in the market and look at situations that can improve our team.

“It is not about signing a player because we need someone in a particular position. No. It is about improving the squad. We have very good players already here, so to improve, you need a specific level of player.”

‘We lost a lot’

Salah’s departure represents a major change for Liverpool, despite his reduced form last season.

Defenders Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson have also left the club, joining Real Madrid and Tottenham respectively.

Iraola is therefore overseeing a significant rebuild of a squad that finished fifth in the Premier League last season, just a year after winning the title.

“We lost a lot in terms of experience, high-level players who have performed so well for so many years here, but I think it is also a natural thing in clubs,” he said.

“I think we have a lot of young players willing to take those minutes and ready to take those leadership roles. Overall, I am very happy with the attitude of the players in the pre-season.”

Iraola earned praise for guiding Bournemouth to European qualification last season with his high-energy style and tactical approach.

He will now be tasked with rebuilding Liverpool and challenging for the Premier League title, while also restoring the attacking style that became less effective during Slot’s difficult second season.

With the transfer window closing on September 1, Iraola hopes Liverpool can strengthen before the deadline.

“You understand how the competition works, that the market is open when you start the season,” he said.

“We have to adapt as coaches to this situation because there is a lot of uncertainty. Not just at Liverpool, but everywhere, because the market is open.

“But we have to adapt. Honestly, I don’t spend too much time thinking about these things. I am focused on the game against Newcastle. That is massive for me.”

Iraola added that Liverpool already have enough quality within the squad to compete from the start of the season, even as the club continue to explore further additions.