Iraola praises Liverpool’s resilience after winning return to Bournemouth

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·21 September 2026

Iraola praises Liverpool’s resilience after winning return to Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola admitted Liverpool had to work hard for their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth but was pleased with the way his side adapted to a difficult Premier League test at his former club.

Alexander Isak’s second-half strike settled the contest at the Vitality Stadium, giving Iraola a winning return to the club where he previously spent three seasons in charge.

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Iraola reacts as Liverpool beat Bournemouth on return to Vitality Stadium

Liverpool endured a difficult opening spell before gradually taking control, with Iraola acknowledging that Bournemouth’s intensity initially caused problems.

“To win here is very difficult, I know it very well,” Iraola said after the game.

“I was disappointed with the first 20, 25 minutes. I think we didn’t start the game with the intensity the game required.”

The Liverpool boss felt his team improved towards the end of the first half and after the interval, eventually finding the quality needed to break through.

Isak provided the decisive moment when he finished from inside the area after good work from Cody Gakpo, although Iraola believes the striker’s wider contribution was equally important.

“He has to help us to be closer to the box, to play in the opposition half, to have meaningful possession and then, if the team is playing there, he will receive the rewards in terms of goals,” Iraola said.

Liverpool’s defence continues to strengthen

The victory was Liverpool’s third consecutive Premier League clean sheet, another encouraging sign for Iraola as his defensive unit continues to develop.

The Liverpool manager believes greater familiarity between his defenders is beginning to make the team more reliable without the ball.

“I think the more time – especially the defenders – they play together, I think it becomes more solid as a unit in the defensive line,” he said.

Iraola singled out Jeremy Jacquet for praise after another encouraging display from the young defender, who has also earned his first France call-up.

“He’s still very young, he is adapting really well to the Premier League,” Iraola said.

Liverpool now face a demanding period after the international break, with Champions League fixtures, Premier League games against leading opposition and a Carabao Cup meeting with Chelsea packed into a short period.

Iraola knows preparation time will be limited, but believes Liverpool must be ready for the challenge ahead.

“We are ready not just for that game, but for the run of games that we have that is going to be demanding,” he said.

The victory also made Iraola’s return to Bournemouth a memorable one, although the Liverpool boss admitted it was special to see his former club continuing to grow.

“It looks nicer – everything,” he said. “I love this club.”