Liverpool vs Newcastle Preview: Iraola Speaks Ahead of EPL Opener

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola met with the media ahead of his first EPL match in charge of the Reds. He discussed the excitement level for the match vs. Newcastle on August 23rd, the challenge of playing the Magpies, the progress of the team in his system, and transfer updates.

Here is a recap of Iraola’s lengthy press conference.

Opening Day Excitement

While the pre-season was fun, now it’s down to business. When asked, Iraola seemed as excited for the start of the EPL season as the fans are.

“I feel excited. I can feel it even in the atmosphere when you train with the players. You feel like this week is a little bit different. We've been preparing friendlies, we've been preparing for other opposition, but this smells different. I'm looking forward to being there on Sunday and feel the pressure and start a competition that is what we like.”

A Proper Challenge 

The atmosphere at St. James’ Park is sure to be electric as Alexander Isak returns to face his former team. Iraola also gave praise to Newcastle coach Matthias Jaissle, adding to a tough opening match for the Reds.

“It's always special when you play against your ex-team in your stadium. It's the same way when I go back to play against Bournemouth,” Iraola said. “You always want to do well in the Premier League. And the first game of the season, I think everyone will be very, very motivated, and I think it's going to be the same for Alex.” 

“We knew him (Jaissle) from before, but now that you play the first game of the season, you always over-analyse everything, even the teams that he has been coaching before. We don't have so many friendlies as a reference with Newcastle, but at the end, I don't think he changes too much the style. In the end, Newcastle will be strong in transitions, very fast players up front, physical team. Especially at home, the atmosphere in St. James' Park is going to be strong. We know it's not an easy game to start the season. So, we have to be ready for that start, for that level of players, and I think we are preparing for this, yes.”  

Getting Stronger In The System

One of the purposes of pre-season was to get players used to a new coach and a new system. Iraola says that the players are making progress, but there are still some things that need to be worked out.

“I'm happy in terms of... I think we are in a level where we can compete, and we can win games, and we still can be a good team,” he said. “That we need to improve, definitely, we will improve, and we will try to do it as quickly as possible.

But there are always like processes, and I think [in] pre-season, always you never know where you are. So, we are willing to start also and know, OK, because in pre-season you change a lot the teams, you don't know if the teams have gone strong, has gone a little bit weaker, or they've been training a lot or they've been in training less. So, friendlies are for me a good reference, but not as good as the real thing. That starts on Sunday, and I think we are in a good place.”

Transfer Update

Even though Liverpool will kick off the season this weekend, they are still looking to add more pieces to strengthen the squad.

“What we need, there are certain situations that for me are clear – especially now on the wing because we don't have enough players specific to play in those positions,” Iraola said. “And then after in other positions, I think we have to be open and open-minded in the market to see to see situations that, honestly, can improve our team.. It's not about signing because we need a player here. No, it's about improving the squad. And we have very good players already here, so to improve our very good players, you need like a specific level [of] players, yes.”  

LFC Globe Verdict

This press conference was on the lengthy side, but I appreciate the new boss being open about everything, especially the type of player they are targeting in the transfer window. I think he will do well not only in the match vs. Newcastle, but throughout the year.

Have Your Say

Are you excited for the start of the season? What did you think of the press conference? Drop a comment below.

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