Andoni Iraola will return to Bournemouth this weekend in a very different situation. The Spanish coach is trying to shape Liverpool after a busy transfer window.
Iraola is expected to apply the qualities that helped him build Bournemouth into Liverpool's rebuilding. That is diligence, organization and player development ability. However, the first 6 matches show that this task cannot be completed in a short time.
Liverpool are unbeaten in 6 matches under Iraola, with three wins in all competitions. However, if they do not win this weekend, Liverpool will only have one win in the first 5 matches in the Premier League. The gap with Arsenal and Manchester City is also creating more pressure for them.
The most difficult thing for Iraola is that he took over a squad formed from many large investments but has not created a balanced team. The task of the new coach is to find a way to connect expensive pieces, while overcoming weaknesses in both attack and defense.
The match against Tottenham in the middle of the week brought another signal. Young players like Lewis Koumas, James McConnell and Trey Nyoni played energetically and received a response from the stands. Iraola also mentioned them many times, because this performance showed the basic qualities he wanted to see in Liverpool players: effort, discipline and dedication, regardless of transfer value or reputation.
Iraola has not yet determined the optimal squad. Liverpool has too many options on the left wing. Cody Gakpo is one of the best players from the beginning of the season, while Bradley Barcola joined for £123 million. Using both forces Iraola to adjust his position or attacking operation.
In the center forward position, Alexander Isak also does not fully meet Iraola's tactical requirements. The Swedish striker has scored 3 goals since the beginning of the season, but Iraola emphasized that Isak's contributions are not only assessed by the number of goals scored. Pressing ability and contribution to the overall play are the factors that Iraola is interested in.
Florian Wirtz is also another problem. Arranging the German midfielder in the number 10 position has not brought the expected number of goals and assists, and also affects the arrangement of the midfield. Dominik Szoboszlai has also not proven to be completely suitable for the deep play role.
A noteworthy point in Iraola is that he does not hesitate to make strong decisions. Ryan Gravenberch was eliminated because his performance did not meet requirements, while Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are not in the Champions League schedule this season, unless the squad suffers injuries.
Iraola will have to deal with the consequences of the transfer policy and rebuild balance in the squad. The match against Bournemouth is therefore not only a day to reunite with his old team, but also another test for how he is shaping Liverpool.
Young players have shown the spirit that Iraola wants to see. Now, his task is to help expensive stars also meet similar requirements. At Anfield, reputation or transfer fees will not replace dedication on the field.
