Andoni Iraola has spent his first week as Liverpool head coach planting the seeds for a new era – and already faces a defining decision: who will be Virgil van Dijk’s vice-captain?
The 46-year-old, who replaced Arne Slot in June, delivered his first press conference at the AXA Training Centre on Monday, a day before the bulk of the first-team squad returned. Insisting the club need more signings, he will hope to accelerate business now the World Cup is concluding. The news of Dominik Szoboszlai signing a five-year deal has provided an immediate boost.
“Andoni Iraola demands new signings and weighs Szoboszlai as vice-captain in his first week as Liverpool manager.”
Van Dijk, 35, played every Premier League minute last season and captained the Netherlands at the World Cup, but his contract expires next summer. With the captain’s armband likely to change hands soon, Iraola must appoint a vice-captain. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, also out of contract next summer, is an option, but the standout candidate is Szoboszlai.
“I'm 25. Mo left, Robbo left, so our vice-captain left and a club legend as well. Both of them are club legends,” Szoboszlai said. “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.” The Hungary captain has already assumed leadership duties for his country.
At Kirkby, players spent the first two days on individual tests before taking to the pitch on Thursday and Friday. Iraola is heavily involved, often shouting “bravo” when he sees something he likes. Training videos released by the club show high intensity. The head coach and his staff spend most of their day assessing the squad, telling players he views them as new signings.
Harvey Elliott returned a week earlier than expected, while Curtis Jones “has had a great summer”, according to one source. Jeremy Jacquet, handed the number five shirt, is settling in after recovering from a shoulder injury. Overall, the squad returned in “good nick”, the source added.
Iraola signed a two-year deal and has told Liverpool he wants reinforcements. With the World Cup winding down, the transfer window is about to open properly – and the new boss's first major call off the pitch could be handing Szoboszlai the vice-captaincy.