IMAGO / Propaganda Photo
Oct 23, 2026 2:18 PM
Updated Oct 23, 2026 2:19 PM
Andoni Iraola spoke to the media ahead of Liverpool welcoming Brighton to Anfield this weekend. Here is everything the boss had to say.
Next Up: Brighton (Home)
The Reds go into this game with confidence and momentum building, with a victory over Villarreal midweek as well as coming away from Brentford with three points last weekend.
Brighton will be a very tough test for Andoni Iraola's side, and he has been speaking to the media ahead of this fixture.
Andoni Iraola on Bradley Barcola & Victor Munoz
Due to reports earlier in the week about the fact that Barcola was missing in training, the opening question of the press conference was about the French forward's fitness:
“Bradley has trained today as normal. No problem, sometimes we just have to you know, with the workloads but he is fine.”
And Victor Munoz missed the Champions League win during the week, with Iraola confirming he is nursing a knock, with it being unclear whether he can return for this match:
“Victor has a knock, he could finish the Brentford game but he is dealing with some pain. Too early v Villarreal, difficult for tomorrow but I really don't know.”
Andoni Iraola on Rio Ngumoha
After a sensational performance from Ngumoha, many fans will be eager to see the 18-year-old play against Brighton, but Iraola warned of possible rotation, especially in the winger role:
“I think overall the players are answering the questions well. No, Rio is not tired. I want them for all the games. But also in the forward positions, normally I sub the wingers and strikers; most of the time they don't finish the game, so it's about giving all you have. Most of the time we change those positions.”
IMAGO / Every Second MediaAnd on his performance that has got everyone talking about, Iraola has urged Rio Ngumoha not to listen to outside noise, good or bad:
“I think every player has to focus on performances, improve what they can. The outside noise affects but we have to try and not be, do your job, improve what you can and don't be too affected by what you hear, praise or criticism. That is the most important thing in the end.”
Andoni Iraola on Brighton
Currently sitting 3rd in the league, Fabian Hurzeler's side has been electric this season so far, with the Seagulls scoring the most goals in the league and having the joint best defensive record as well.
And Andoni Iraola has predicted an entertaining affair on Merseyside come Sunday afternoon:
“They are doing incredibly well and deserve all the praise they are getting. Well coached, very good in every phase, one of the best teams with good quality. We have to be at our very best. I see my team in a good place.
“Probably not too different a game v Villarreal, they control the phases, good technically, so we will see this. Maybe not a 0-0 where nothing happens, both teams will try to control the game.”
Andoni Iraola on Anfield Record
Since taking over at LFC, the Spanish coach has not yet won a league game at Anfield, despite having just lost one competitive game so far.
When asked about this record, he highlighted that he goes into every game wanting to win:
“I want to win games, home and away. Wherever you can get the points. The games have been high level games, we won them and had good performances v Atletico, Spurs and Villarreal.”
IMAGO/Propaganda PhotoAndoni Iraola on Liverpool as a Club
After being here for roughly three months, the Reds boss was asked whether he had grown strong feelings towards the club and city of Liverpool as a whole, especially after European nights at Anfield:
“I know this is club is very special, the thing is when you arrive, especially a place like this, you need a lot of goals and you need to earn the right to feel these things inside. Wins like the other day help me a lot personally.”
Andoni Iraola on LFC's Academy Graduates
A noticeable shift compared to last season under Arne Slot has been Andoni Iraola's use of the academy and working with young players in order to improve them and the options he has at his disposal.
The likes of Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Lewis Koumas have all come through over the last 12 months, but have been used a lot more frequently this campaign.
Iraola highlighted the support that they all have for each other, through the highs and lows:
“They are all supporting each other, they praise each other and when they see someone start in the CL or PL, they feel it and they feel they are close to being there. That is good for them and the ones in the second team.
“They have to use all the help from the players, the coaches. They have take it in and learn from that and we have some experienced players, so they look at what they are doing in training.”
Andoni Iraola on the Demands for his Forwards
One of the most intense roles you can play in a Liverpool side managed by Andoni Iraola is the forward positions, more specifically, the winger roles.
That is why often whoever starts on the left and right wings is usually withdrawn before the end of the game for the players on the pitch to all be as fresh as possible:
“We cannot allow ourselves to play 70 or 80%. I prefer to bring them off to them give their all because we need to play for us. I would like to play 70% and win games but it is not possible.”
IMAGO/Propaganda PhotoAndoni Iraola on Alexis Mac Allister
Despite joining back with the squad late in pre-season, due to his late involvement in the World Cup, Alexis Mac Allister has grown game by game into one of Iraola's most dependable players, and the head coach was full of praise for the Argentinian's recent performances:
“I think he is another leader that we have with his experience. He has been involved in top level games, won things club and country.
“After two or three weeks when he returned, with us he was in great form and performing consistently well. He is in a place where he is consistent.”
Andoni Iraola on the Versatility of Ryan Gravenberch
During the 90 minutes, plus added time, against Villarreal, Ryan Gravenberch played two different roles, with neither being the area of the pitch that he is seen as most comfortable.
Starting as an attacking midfielder, and then switching to right-back in the second half as Liverpool look to try and turn around a game they were once losing 2-0.
Iraola explained the value he sees in Gravenberch and the fact that he can play many different positions:
“I think if you asked me where is his position he suits best, I think he is a No8 but he can do a job at 6 and he won the league there. He can do a job at right-back like the other day. At No10 he can do a job.
Andoni Iraola on Dominik Szoboszlai
The final question posed before the embargoed section of the press conference was about the fitness and availability of Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Hungarian went off injured against Brentford, but it was not seen as a new injury blow, but instead the fact that he hadn't fully recovered from his muscle tightness picked up during the international break.
IMAGO/Propaganda PhotoBut Iraola ruled him out of the game against Brighton:
“He is going to be out this weekend. I don't think he's far but he hasn't trained with the group. He is in a good place, he's already training outside alone, just not ready for this one.”
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