Andoni Iraola insists Liverpool have the quality for a successful season on the eve of their final pre-season friendly of the summer. Iraola begins a new era for the club on August 23 when his side start their Premier League campaign with a trip to Newcastle United.
Transfer activity and squad changes
However, the squad has yet to replace Mohamed Salah, the legendary winger who left as a free agent at the end of last season. Talks with Paris Saint-Germain remain ongoing over Bradley Barcola and while the Champions League holders are looking for around £140m for the France international, Anfield chiefs are hopeful of negotiating the fee as discussions continue behind the scenes.
Liverpool have so far added £60m centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and winger Victor Munoz, who joined when his £34.5m Osasuna release clause was triggered in June, to their permanent ranks, with Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo joining on loan earlier this week. And despite seeing Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all depart in the close season as free agents, Iraola is adamant his current crop have the ability to make this coming campaign a memorable one.
Iraola's confidence in the squad
“I have spoken many times about the type of team I want to see on the pitch, about the intensity, the intent and the energy we are looking for,” the new Reds head coach says in his pre-match programme notes ahead of Sunday's friendly with Como at Anfield. “And while it is clear that there is still a lot of improvement to come, I believe that we are moving in the right direction and I expect that to continue in the coming days and weeks as the season gets underway.
“With Alexis Mac Allister having returned to the AXA Training Centre on Monday, we now have all of our players back after the World Cup, which is of course hugely beneficial. There is no doubt in my mind about the quality and the potential we have within our squad, and now it is up to us to show that on a consistent basis going forward.
“From a personal perspective, I would like to thank you all for the wonderful reception I received last weekend (against Monaco). It meant a lot, and hopefully we can give you lots to enjoy and to shout about, both on Sunday and beyond.”
New signing Ronald Araujo
On the capture of Araujo, who could make his debut on Sunday against Como, Iraola adds: “We have also been able to welcome a new signing to the club this week, with Ronald Araujo joining us on loan from Barcelona. We are, of course, very pleased to have added a player of such quality and experience, and I am sure he will settle in quickly and have a positive impact on our squad.”
