Andoni Iraola used his first press conference as Liverpool head coach on Monday to deliver a blunt message: the club needs more signings. Speaking at the AXA Training Centre a day before the bulk of the first-team squad returned for pre-season, Iraola insisted recruitment would accelerate now that the World Cup is concluding. The demand came as Liverpool confirmed a new arrival to replace goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero, with Iraola's plans rapidly taking shape.
Among the new head coach's early decisions is appointing a vice-captain. Virgil van Dijk, who played every Premier League minute last season, is 35 and out of contract next summer. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker's deal also expires then, leaving Dominik Szoboszlai — who signed a five-year contract this week — as the standout candidate. "I'm 25. Mo left, Robbo left, so our vice-captain left and a club legend as well," Szoboszlai said, referencing departed senior players. "Both of them are club legends. We're going to miss them for sure and now someone else has to step up and if it's me, I'm ready to do it."
“Iraola demands more signings as Szoboszlai eyes vice-captain role; new goalkeeping coach arrives.”
On the training pitch at Kirkby, Iraola has wasted no time imposing his methods. After two days of individual tests, players worked with the ball on Thursday and Friday. The new boss is heavily involved, often shouting "bravo" when he sees something he likes. Training videos released by the club show high intensity. Iraola has told the squad he views them as new signings, and the early signs are positive: Harvey Elliott returned a week earlier than expected, Curtis Jones reportedly "has had a great summer", and Jeremy Jacquet — handed the number five shirt — has recovered from a shoulder injury and is settling in. The players have returned in "good nick", according to sources.
With the World Cup winding down and a new goalkeeping coach now in place, Iraola's focus turns to bolstering a squad that lost key figures over the summer. His first week may have planted the seeds, but the real work is only beginning.