IMAGO / Propaganda Photo
Oct 9, 2026 1:57 PM
Updated Oct 9, 2026 2:00 PM
Andoni Iraola has spoken to the media ahead of a huge clash against league leaders Manchester City at Anfield. Here is everything the boss had to say ahead of this fixture.
Next Up: Manchester City (Home)
Liverpool are back at Anfield as they prepare to face Manchester City in a clash that will be watched by many and promises to be an exciting encounter.
Andoni Iraola discussed in his press conference injury updates on Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet, the challenge of facing Man City and the impact the home atmosphere will have on the match.
Andoni Iraola on Manchester City's 115 Charges
One of the main talking points surrounding this game will be the big news that emerged over the international break surrounding Man City's 115 charges that they have been found guilty of.
IMAGO / News Images Now City are appealing the decision, but given Liverpool were one of the main teams that were affected by their breach of the financial rules, Iraola was asked about the verdict:
"I think uncertainty is not good for anyone involved, but the process is ongoing, so we have to be patient.
"I think the challenge of the game you want is so high that I don't think the players think too much outside of this; they know they need to be at this high level. They are focused on those things. They will have their own opinions, but they are focused."
He was also quizzed on whether the Premier League's findings were surprising:
"I haven't [spent time] looking over three years, so we don't know. I don't think it's fair to give an opinion when you haven't spent the time. They are the ones who have to give the answers.
"My opinion is not valid. An opportunity if they are punished? I think the worst thing is the uncertainty. We have to focus on Liverpool, be the best club and team we can be."
Andoni Iraola on Liverpool's Unbeaten Start
The Reds have started this season strong, winning their opening Champions League fixture, progressing in the Carabao Cup and maintaining an unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign.
But Iraola highlighted the importance of the games ahead:
"It's a difficult question, it looks good when we had two draws at the beginning that were not so good but this run of games now between the breaks, we play against the top four, Carabao Cup v Chelsea, Champions League.
"Four games in 9/10 days now, so I think it will say a lot about us. After this demanding run we will know where we are."
Andoni Iraola on Injuries
A big concern going into this game was the fitness and availability of Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, who both withdrew from the recent three-week international break early.
And Iraola confirmed that it wasn't good news for LFC's attacking duo:
"Yes, Alex Isak and Gakpo won't play, not ready unfortunately for us. Injuries in the break. You always hope the doctor doesn't call you but we have been unlucky. They are not going to be involved.
"Timeframe - Gakpo has an ankle injury, a matter of him dealing with the pain. A bad tackle I think. He is working but not for Sunday. Isak has a thigh injury, whenever he feels ready they don't look like long term injuries. But they are not ready for Sunday."
IMAGO / Every Second MediaAndoni Iraola on the Prospect of facing Man City
A clash with last season's Premier League runners-up is always a fascinating encounter, with games against Manchester City a good guide as to where a Liverpool team stand against one of the strongest sides in Europe.
And it's a game Iraola is looking forward to:
"It's an exciting game, at home at Anfield against league leaders. Won all their games. They will go for it, so will we, we have to be ready and help our supporters. I hope we are at the level.
"I think it is still very early whatever happens on Sunday. Just five games but it is true we like to face teams like City and show our level, definitely. It's massive for everyone involved, it's an exciting moment."
Andoni Iraola on Jeremy Jacquet's fitness
The French defender has had an incredible start to life on Merseyside, impressing every time he has put on a Red shirt this season so far.
So when Jacquet was kept out of France's final game of the three-week international period, fans were concerned that Jacquet could be a doubt for the Man City game.
IMAGO / Ball Raw ImagesBut the Spanish coach confirmed that Jeremy Jacquet, as of right now, is available:
"Obviously, he has done well. Firstly, he is a good player, you've seen clips, but if you don't see him every day you can't appreciate what he has. I am happy for him personally, debut with France, that is always tough.
"He played well, he should be happy, but has a long way to go. He is fit and ready to go. He will be fine, we need to train tomorrow."
Andoni Iraola on the Anfield Atmosphere
Many neutrals are expecting a hostile Anfield to await Man City, not only due to the size of the clash in general, but also due to the Citizens' rule breach.
Iraola explained how special being part of a game like this is and hopes his team can help enhance the crowd's volume even more:
"I think always when you play, you live this kind of game, the atmopshere will be big, special. I think we want to give the supporters reasons to be with us, when they see the team they want on the pitch we can create and even better atmosphere.
"Must-not-lose game? No, nowadays in PL, every game is big, it will be tough. The level of the comp has gone so high. Every time you face a team around you, you always want to win and then in the end it is still early in the season."
IMAGO / APL Andoni Iraola on the Number Nine Position
With the news that Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak are out injured, with Hugo Ekitike already out with a long-term injury, the Reds' options in the number nine position are looking very weak.
When asked whether Lewis Koumas could be trusted to play in the role in the absence of Liverpool's senior options, Iraola suggested it was a situation that his side must adapt to:
IMAGO / Propaganda Photo "Even before we don't have Hugo Ekitike, who I am looking forward to having available. Maybe we will recover Chiesa but hasn't played any minutes. A No.9, we only have Koumas right now, we have some options; wingers who have played up front.
"We don't have a lot of time to train with the group as a whole. It is the same for every team so we cannot use it. I had time to watch and analyse but we have to adapt to injuries. Alex and then Cody and now this is City then Champions League, so the run of games, we have to get used to these things."
The boss was also questioned on whether he believes that big money summer signing Bradley Barcola is a genuine and viable option for him up front in the coming games, despite some criticism directed towards the French international by some of his nation's media:
IMAGO / Every Second Media"I don't think he is in a bad moment. With wingers, if they don't score, they haven't played well (is the opinion), but we have to see the game as whole. I care, I want him to see that and he has been with the national team, I want him to be there [scoring the chances].
"He has played as a left winger and also as a striker, so he can cover three positions up front."
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