New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has admitted that his squad is in need of reinforcements following the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate on free transfers. Robertson joined Tottenham, while Konate signed for Real Madrid.
Iraola's Transfer Admission
Speaking at his introductory press conference, Iraola said: "We've signed two players, we need more, we know this. We 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."
Spanish winger Victor Munoz became Iraola's first signing, joining from Osasuna last month, while centre-back Jeremy Jacquet arrived from Rennes in January. Both players celebrated birthdays on Monday, turning 23 and 21 respectively. However, Iraola acknowledged that more experience is required.
Harvey Elliott's Return
One player who could be considered a new signing is Harvey Elliott, who returned to Liverpool after a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa. Elliott featured just nine times for Villa amid uncertainty over whether the loan would become permanent.
When asked about Elliott's role, Iraola said: "Definitely. Harvey is here with us, I have seen him with the eagerness to show up, get super ready. He'll have a chance in pre-season, we'll need him and it's a good sign. I hope we can see him in a good place."
Iraola added: "I think Harvey comes from last season had to be difficult for him, strange situation, they couldn't even play him and I think he uses this experience - the bad situation - to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player."
Getting to Know the Squad
Iraola is determined to assess his current squad during pre-season. "I talked to the players and the staff on things we're working well on and what we want to do differently, not better, different," he said. "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."
