Andoni Iraola’s unbeaten start at Liverpool will face its sternest examination when Manchester City visit Anfield on Sunday, with the early signs of the new manager’s influence under close scrutiny.
Iraola has already shown a willingness to make bold selection decisions, while Liverpool’s recent defensive improvement has helped them navigate the opening phase of his reign. The meeting with City could now provide a clearer indication of how quickly his ideas are taking hold.
Iraola’s tactical influence at Liverpool
Vinny O’Connor said Iraola had demonstrated that he was prepared to make difficult calls, including leaving out Jeremie Frimpong and selecting Araujo at right-back to give the side greater defensive solidity.
“What I’ve seen from Andoni Iraola is that he’s happy to make big decisions,” O’Connor said. “Liverpool needed to be more solid; they’ve done that.”
Ryan Gravenberch has also been left out at times, while Iraola has given opportunities to younger players including Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni. O’Connor said the manager appeared willing to trust them, while also beginning to impose a more aggressive pressing game.
“Teams aren’t able to settle on the ball as much as they would like to against Liverpool,” he said. “They’re not allowing teams as many passes.”
There have been shortcomings, particularly when Liverpool have been caught on the break, and the balance of the midfield remains a work in progress. However, the side have kept three successive Premier League clean sheets and are defending their penalty area more effectively.
O’Connor also pointed to Liverpool’s quicker progression with the ball and their ability to create chances, saying the team appeared to be moving towards the high-energy football associated with Iraola’s approach.
Manchester City provide major test
Mark McAdam said Liverpool’s unbeaten record was important during the transition, but identified the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid as a particularly significant result because it showed Iraola’s team could overcome a major opponent.
“The key thing is they’re unbeaten. When you go into a new football club, don’t lose games!” McAdam said. “But that big win in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid is a massive plus because not only does that show that they can win games but they can do it against the big teams.”
McAdam said Iraola had been conscious of the need for defensive stability and greater possession, while arguing that the manager’s best football at Liverpool could eventually prove highly entertaining.
Dan Morgan, a Liverpool writer and podcaster, said Iraola had surprised him by showing flexibility rather than following his preferred style without compromise. He suggested the decision to use a centre-back at right-back reflected an understanding of the defensive problems Liverpool needed to address.
“I think that speaks to him recognising the size of the job,” Morgan said. “He’s found a way to quietly get results.”
For all the encouraging evidence, Morgan said Liverpool supporters were still waiting for a defining moment under Iraola. Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City offers an immediate opportunity for that breakthrough as the new manager’s unbeaten start is put to a substantial test.
