IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Oct 30, 2026 2:30 PM
Andoni Iraola spoke to the media this afternoon; here is everything the Liverpool boss had to say ahead of facing Arsenal in the Premier League.
Next Up: Arsenal (Home)
The Reds will be hoping to continue their good run of form that has seen them win all of their last five games, the latest being a penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
Here is what Andoni Iraola had to say ahead of this mouthwatering Premier League encounter.
Andoni Iraola on Injuries
An important update on the injury front, with the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz closing in on a return to the matchday squad, but this game could come too soon:
“I think Szoboszlai and Munoz have a chance but we still have two days. I think they have a chance, yes.”
IMAGO/Propaganda PhotoAndoni Iraola on Liverpool's Position in the League Table
The Reds currently sit 4th in the Premier League table and have the opportunity to move to within two points of Arsenal should they win this weekend.
Iraola has made it clear he takes things one game at a time, but the fans are allowed to dream big:
“It’s still October, one game at a time. I always say it is more or less after you’ve played everyone once that you can start looking at the standings. We are improving, developing.
“Can fans dream? It’s good if they have expectations and think we can win. But if you ask me, it is still too early.”
Andoni Iraola on Arsenal
The prospect of facing the reigning champions is always one that poses a challenge like no other, and Arsenal will be no exception to that.
But following their shock defeat to Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup, could Liverpool use this to their advantage:
“We had good results with Bournemouth, but this is a different team, a different group, so we cannot use the same things we used at Bournemouth against Arsenal.
“We have different tools. It’s about winning the duels, aerial battles, set-plays, mini-games, these things.
“Arsenal are the champions for a reason. They are in a good place. It will be a good challenge for us.”
Andoni Iraola on Liverpool's Winning Run
As previously mentioned, LFC are currently on a five-game winning streak, dating back to their comprehensive victory over LASK away in the Champions League.
IMAGO / Sports Press PhotoAnd while Iraola highlighted that having the winning feeling around the club is a good thing, there is more work to be done:
“Winning helps a lot. Winning five games is nice, but just two in the league. We know we need to improve a lot, but going through this process while winning is always nicer.”
Andoni Iraola on the Anfield Atmospshere
After the dramatic win over Chelsea on penalties midweek, Anfield was bouncing, everyone was in high spirits, and it felt like momentum was really building.
Iraola explained the importance of the home crowd and how his team can influence the atmosphere:
“It’s not just about winning. At Anfield, everyone feels when the team goes for it and everyone is trying their best.
“Our fans help us massively. Against Chelsea, the atmosphere was really good. We can create this. It is special.”
IMAGO / Propaganda PhotoAndoni Iraola on Ryan Gravenberch
The Dutch midfielder was an essential part of Liverpool's most recent title win in the 2024/25 season.
But last campaign, like many, he had a big drop-off, often looking tired, and many thought he was being overplayed.
This season, he had a slow start, with him being kept out of the side with Iraola favouring Alexis Mac Allister.
IMAGO / Propaganda PhotoBut recently, Gravenberch has had his chance to show what he can do, and has been getting better and better as each week goes on.
“I think it has had better and worse games this season, he is playing a lot, good games recently. We trust him, we know what he can use and with others when they play well, they help him improve. When he is in a good place, we will try to keep him there."
Andoni Iraola on Arsenal's Approach
One of the best defensive teams in Europe, Champions League runners-up last season and Premier League champions, the quality that Arsenal possess is elite.
Iraola believes, therefore, that it will be crucial for his forwards to be clinical when getting any opportunities against this structured Gunners backline.
“Since the first day, I knew [we couldn't be underdogs]. I accept this and people expect a lot from our team. At the end, it's a matter of having more chances, they are good defensively, we are in a good place, every chance is valuable and what happens in the box is decisive."
Andoni Iraola on Liverpool's Next Level
Despite the good form that his side is in, Andoni Iraola firmly believes that there are more gears to climb for this Reds team.
“Another level to come? There always has to be. We need to improve things.”
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