Andoni Iraola spoke to the media this afternoon, addressing Rio Ngumoha's England call-up, criticism of Florian Wirtz, facing his former club, and much more. Here is everything you need to know from the LFC head coach's press conference.
Has The Florian Wirtz Criticism Been Fair?
Next Up: Bournemouth (Away)
Liverpool are on the road for their final game before a three-week international break as they take on Andoni Iraola's former side Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Andoni Iraola spoke to the media about a number of topics, including Rio Ngumoha's England call-up, the prospect of facing his former club, and the criticism that Florian Wirtz has been receiving:
Andoni Iraola on Dominik Szoboszlai's Goal
The press conference began with Iraola being asked for his opinion on Szoboszlai's wonder goal against Spurs during the week, as it has sparked conversation among fans.
Some have been saying that it was a volley, while others have suggested it was a half-volley from the Liverpool midfielder, but here was Iraola's response to the debate:
REUTERS/Scott Heppell“Volley or not? We need a different word, honestly. Not a volley or half volley. This one was like a bounce, upwards, downwards...”
Andoni Iraola on the advantage of having more rest days than Bournemouth
LFC were not the only team to feature midweek as Bournemouth kicked off their Europa League campaign away to Real Sociedad on Thursday night. So, given the Reds played two days earlier on Tuesday, Iraola was quizzed on whether he sees it as an advantage to have the extra two days' recovery before this match:
“We have an advantage. Most of the time we have gone last but this time we have an advantage. But I know where we are going - I know the stadium, they haven't lost there in a long while.”
Andoni Iraola on Rio Ngumoha Getting His First England Call-Up
Before the boss conducted his media duties, it was announced that Rio Ngumoha had been called up for the England national team for the upcoming Nations League games, a moment that was undoubtedly special for the newly turned 18-year-old winger.
Iraola was full of praise for Ngumoha and also his former player Alex Scott, who was also called up to Thomas Tuchel's England camp:
“Very happy, both (Alex Scott) deserve it, they helped the national team before the World Cup and did a good job. I can only speak so well about both, deserved, they are ready.”
REUTERS/Scott HeppellHe also emphasised Ngumoha's importance to the LFC side, admiring his desire to keep going and constantly improving, especially given his age, using the Spurs game as an example:
“I think the other day v Spurs, Rio didn't have his best start, but I like how he came back from that. Lost duels; Udogie is a strong player, but Rio did his job. The first goal comes from him, one-v-one.
"He is part of that build-up for the goal, and that is what we are trying to put into him. He is still learning the league; only 18, but he has the quality. We are happy also because they called him for England.”
Andoni Iraola on returning to Bournemouth
The big talking point in the build-up to this match is Andoni Iraola's return to Bournemouth, after spending three years on the south coast, and it being at the Vitality Stadium where Iraola made a name for himself, becoming an established top-level coach in the Premier League.
So the Spaniard was questioned on the challenge of playing against his former club, and highlighted the need to be ruthless, despite looking forward to seeing a few old faces:
“From a personal side, I'm really looking forward to see them, players that I love and staff I enjoyed working with. I wish them all the best but we need to go there and beat them and be as ruthless as possible.”
“Bournemouth haven't changed much. They lost Senesi and signed Silva. I spoke to Marco Rose before leaving, and he hasn't changed too much.”
Andoni Iraola on Florian Wirtz
A very criticised player within the Liverpool ranks is attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz. Arriving as a £100 million player instantly puts pressure on you to perform, but Wirtz has struggled to get the goals and assists that many expect him to achieve.
REUTERS/Phil Noble But Iraola was firm in his belief that Wirtz is doing well, and that he focuses on whether the team plays well while Wirtz is on the pitch:
“He should be judged like everyone else. I say how does the team play when you are on the pitch? He understands what we need from him, and he is trying to help in every aspect of the game.”
Andoni Iraola with an Injury Update
Nothing new was the main summary from Iraola's comments on the injury front, with long-time absentees such as Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni still recovering:
“Everyone is ready to go, we have the same players. We don't have the long-term injured or Federico. Everyone else is fine.”
Andoni Iraola on Bradley Barcola
The first few weeks of Barcola's time at the club have all been about getting the Frenchman up to speed with what the manager and coaching staff want from him in the long run, and Iraola has said how happy he is with his progress so far:
REUTERS/Scott Heppell “The more time he plays the better he becomes. He is in a good shape. Like all the signings from overseas they need some time to get used to playing in England but he is used to playing in high-profile games.”
Andoni Iraola on his wingers
The winger position was an area that has seen a vast amount of change over the summer, with two new ones coming into the club, and the boss has been very pleased with how his wide forwards have performed up until this point and is enjoying the depth he has on both sides:
“We want players fighting in all positions. It's a good fight and it's good for me that it's not easy to choose. We will need them all.”
One of the first things the Spanish coach said when he arrived at the club was how much he values versatility, in particular, in forward positions.
REUTERS/David KleinAnd when asked about a clip going around online of Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha speaking on the pitch about whether the young English winger wanted to switch sides during the game against Spurs, this is what he had to say:
“In the case of our wingers, we have these moments where they change sides. If something isn't working, or we can damage the opponents. Spurs changed full-backs, so you have to adjust to that. I think it is good they are communicating; I don't mind this.”
“They can say to me maybe they should change; sometimes we will, sometimes not. Wingers can play both sides.”
"It's going to be a tricky game; they know very well what we try to do without the ball. I know their strengths and weaknesses (Bournemouth). In this case, it will be strange for me.”
Andoni Iraola on Ronald Araujo's impact
One of the more unexpected transfers of the summer was Araujo's move to Merseyside. But the club brought him in due to his versatility and experience playing at a top level for Barcelona. And he has immediately become a fan favourite.
His passion, intensity, and desire to block every shot and defend resolutely are exactly the attributes that the LFC fans wanted to see from the Uruguayan.
REUTERS/Phil NobleIraola was asked a question about Araujo's impact in the dressing room, given his high amount of experience and how he feels he is settling in:
“I am very happy for him. The first time I talked to him, sometimes you talk and you can feel straight away, everything was positive. He needed this change, and he has come with humility, a big club, an experienced player, ready to play positions.”
“Physically, he has played more minutes than we expected, and he is showing robustness, in a good place. Not cramping. Especially when you are a centre-back playing right-back, it's more demanding. I like his spirit; now I am pushing him to learn the language, we can use his experience if he can communicate more. It will take some time.”
