Liverpool v Manchester City: Andoni Iraola Provides Injury Update & Match Preview

This Sunday, Liverpool face Manchester City at Anfield in both sides' first game after the international break. The match comes against the backdrop of the Premier League's Manchester City verdict, promising a raucous atmosphere at Anfield this weekend.

Speaking ahead of the heavyweight clash, Andoni Iraola has provided an update on Liverpool's injury situation and reflected on his start to life at Liverpool.

Most Liverpool fans would agree that Andoni Iraola has made a very positive impression during his first months at the club. It is not all about impressions, however; the Basque has also led Liverpool to an unbeaten start this season. The Reds have played seven matches so far, winning four and drawing three.

Iraola spoke to beIN SPORTS ahead of his press conference on Friday:

Reflecting on his start at Liverpool, Iraola said:

"I think the international break is a moment to reflect, because we normally have a crazier schedule. You go two, three days preparing the next game. Then you need, I think, a break, [to] analyse how the season has gone so far. I think we have a good amount of games already to analyse and see the things that we've done well and the things that I think can improve."

Despite beginning the season unbeaten, Iraola still desires improvement.

Talking about the club's targets this season, he said:

"We don't have a specific points total or position, no. I think we have to arrive as high as we can, we have to be the best team we can be."

Iraola discussed whether Alexander Isak or Cody Gakpo will be available to play against Manchester City.

Both players were having superb starts to their respective international breaks before having to withdraw due to injury. 

Isak put away a clinical finish against Romania to open the scoring, whilst Cody Gakpo scored a last-minute volley to claw back a draw for the Netherlands against Jurgen Klopp's Germany.

On the pair's fitness, Iraola said:

"It's a matter of if they are going to recover in time to help us in the next game or not. But right now they are both injured."

This weekend's Anfield battle will be Iraola's first against Manchester City as Liverpool head coach and is likely to represent his biggest test so far.

Previewing the game, Iraola said:

"We've [also] been unbeaten, but they've won all of them, so it makes a big difference in their side. I think we need to be very, very good if we want to beat City because they've been scoring a lot of goals lately. We know the names that are very dangerous. But I think also we've shown good defensive improvements lately, and I hope we can defend the threats that they have but also hurt them on the other side."

On the pitch, Iraola has overseen Liverpool's transformation into a much more solid, much more compact side. This has been a huge improvement compared to last season. Whilst some doubts have arisen over the scarcity of wins compared to draws, going unbeaten is an achievement in itself that sets a foundation for the rest of the season.

Even more impressive, however, has been Iraola's adaptation to Liverpool off the pitch. Much has been said about how he has looked to immerse himself in the club and city; his attendance at Liverpool Women's derby match against Everton earlier in the international break highlights this.

He has taken to Liverpool undoubtedly well, and has been a strong character and personality fit for the club. That is why so many will be desperate to see a rip-roaring Liverpool performance at Anfield that leaves everything on the pitch - something that gives Iraola his first big, uniting moment.

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