The World Cup may dominate the football landscape, but Liverpool are working at full capacity as new head coach Andoni Iraola settles into his role. While he has generated enthusiasm among fans, the 43-year-old has been issued a stark reminder of the challenge ahead.
Iraola warned of immense pressure
Liverpool legend Emile Heskey has warned Iraola that he will face an 'immense' increase in pressure and expectations at Anfield. Iraola was confirmed as Reds manager earlier this month on a two-year deal after guiding Bournemouth to a sixth-place Premier League finish.
Heskey, who made 223 appearances for Liverpool between 2000 and 2004, told Grosvenor Sport: 'I think at the end of the day, the manager will always be blamed. Regardless of what's said and done, the manager takes the fall when it comes to results.'
'It is his job to try and get the players playing the way that he wants to play, to be entertaining for the fans, and to win games. So inevitably he will be blamed for that.'
'With Iraola, we've seen at Bournemouth that he knows how to win games, he knows how to set up structurally, and he knows how to change it structurally if he needs to.'
'The only thing is he hasn't done it at a club like Liverpool, where the pressure is immense. There's no win, lose, or draw; you just have to win. It's going to be very tough for Iraola.'
Heskey added: 'What I will say is that what I've heard him talk about sounds great. It's aggressive football. It's on the front foot. It's what Liverpool fans have been so used to over the years - rock and roll football. He's spoken about that, but I'm hoping he can be tactical and get the players on his side.'
'One thing you have to do is get the dressing room on your side. If you haven't got the players backing you, it's very tough, as we saw with Slot.'
Iraola tipped for £160m swoop
England legend Alan Shearer has predicted Liverpool will launch a stunning transfer raid on Bournemouth for both Eli Kroupi and Alex Scott. Teenager Kroupi, 19, could cost the Reds around £80m, while midfielder Scott, 23, has an equally hefty £80m valuation, meaning a combined outlay of £160m.
Shearer says he understands the excitement surrounding the duo and would not be shocked if they left this summer. French attacker Kroupi has netted 13 times this campaign, while Scott has established himself as one of the Premier League's most gifted creative players.
'I totally understand why bigger clubs will be looking at their players because of their outstanding performances, particularly last season, though I guess Bournemouth fans will hate to hear this,' Shearer told Betfair.
'We've said it many times and we'll say it again: their recruitment at Bournemouth has been off the charts, so it is no surprise some of their players are being linked with big football clubs.'
'That's a great credit to them for the job they've done in getting those players there. I said months ago that the two players I would pick out of that team would be Eli Kroupi and Alex Scott.'
'I think they've been absolutely outstanding this season for Bournemouth, so it wouldn't be a surprise to me at all if they were to go this summer.'
