Andoni Iraola has spent his first week at Liverpool planting seeds for what he hopes will be a fruitful era, but the new head coach already faces a major decision: who will be Virgil van Dijk’s deputy?
The 35-year-old captain played every minute of last season’s Premier League and is into the final year of his contract, meaning Liverpool must soon look for a long-term successor. Dominik Szoboszlai, who signed a five-year deal this week, has emerged as the standout candidate.
“Iraola's first week at Liverpool: Szoboszlai ready for vice-captain role, Martinez passes medical.”
“Mo left, Robbo left, so our vice-captain left and a club legend as well. 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,” said Szoboszlai, who already captains Hungary.
Iraola delivered his first press conference at the AXA Training Centre on Monday, a day before the bulk of the first-team squad returned. He used the opportunity to insist Liverpool need more signings. The club has already moved quickly, with Colombian wonderkid Samuel Martinez passing a medical — though Iraola will have to wait to get a proper look at the teenager.
On the training pitch, Iraola is heavily involved, often shouting “bravo” when he sees something he likes. The intensity is evident in the videos uploaded by the club’s official channels. Players spent the first two days on individual tests before getting on the ball on Thursday and Friday. Iraola has told them he is viewing 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, given the number five shirt, is settling in nicely after recovering from a shoulder injury. On the whole, the players have returned in “good nick”.
Iraola and his coaching staff spend most of their day at the training ground, with a major emphasis on assessing the capabilities of the current squad. With pre-season under way, the seeds are planted — but the big decisions are only just beginning.