New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has opened up on the club's transfer plans and told owners Fenway Sports Group that he 'needs more' signings. Iraola, 44, was speaking at his first press conference since he was appointed on a two-year contract last month.
The former Bournemouth boss has replaced Arne Slot, who was sacked following a disappointing second season in the Anfield hot seat. Liverpool have welcomed centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and left winger Victor Munoz for a combined £94.5million, but Iraola wants more new arrivals before the summer transfer window shuts in September.
Iraola demands reinforcements
"We've signed two players already but we need more players," Iraola told reporters at Liverpool's AXA Training Complex on Monday morning. "The club are working on this."
"As a coach I want the players here from day one, selfishly, but we know it doesn't work like this, we're working hard for those signings."
The Reds are looking at several areas to improve, with right-back a priority. Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley both endured injury-hit seasons last time out, so Liverpool would like cover in the position.
World Cup impact on squad
For now, Iraola must work with what he's got, especially with clubs holding off on selling players because of the World Cup. The Spaniard will give players who are already eliminated ample time off, with Alexis Mac Allister being Liverpool's only player who is still at the tournament.
"I spoke with the players at the World Cup," Iraola revealed. "Especially the ones who are eliminated, enjoying their holidays, I didn't want to disturb them while it was ongoing but I had some good talks."
"I used these weeks before training to talk with a lot of people who work here every day. They create a good environment so our players can perform to the maximum."
Style of play and integration
He added: "I talked to the players, the staff, to things we're working well on and what we want to do differently, not better, different. I have the advantage, the players know what we want to demand in terms of style of play."
"I ask players where they are comfortable, so I can understand it. I see them train, make some tests in pre-season and then take decisions from that."
Asked about the impact of the World Cup, Iraola acknowledged: "We cannot change it, they deserve a break of three weeks so they can enjoy their time with friends, family."
"They need a rest after a busy season. And I think I am looking at the positives. I've had one week to see the U21s, first-team players there before too, some of them, so they are in a better shape."
"I've seen a few here today who are ready for testing tomorrow, so I get in touch with every player and the young players and loan players more minutes on the pitch, Academy players, maybe I wouldn't know them normally but now I get to know them more."
Liverpool's players return will for pre-season training on Tuesday before jetting off the United States later this month. Their opponents include Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United.
