Liverpool’s New Era Takes Shape as Iraola’s Influence Starts to Show | OneFootball

Liverpool may have only won one of their opening four Premier League matches, but that doesn’t mean their board appointed the wrong head coach. The Reds remain unbeaten in all competitions as their new boss Andoni Iraola begins to find his feet. 

The Basque was brought to Anfield after an exceptional season at Bournemouth, guiding the Cherries into Europe for the first time in their history; and after Arne Slot’s dismissal, Liverpool didn’t hang around to secure their main target.

In his opening two matches, Liverpool’s defensive problems from last campaign were once again evident. Two 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were not performances which were going to worry reigning champions Arsenal.

At the third attempt, Liverpool once again scored twice but kept their first clean sheet, coming away from Portman Road with all three points. A 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid under the lights in the Champions League then followed.

Iraola looking to make an impact

While that preceded a disappointing 0-0 draw against Fulham, this was the first time Iraola’s side had failed to find the back of the net in five matches. There’s work to do defensively, but going forward Liverpool have looked lively – which is more impressive considering that Mo Salah left this summer.

Despite their on-field problems, the Basque has remained calm and composed in press conferences, and believes his team will grow throughout the season, although he did state after the Fulham game that his team needed to get used to their intense schedule if they are to be successful this season.

Liverpool are unlikely to go from fifth last term to title contenders in 2026/27, especially based on the Premier League betting odds at TitanPlay, but there’s early evidence from Iraola’s style of play that his new team could finish in a higher position. 

Attacking style pleasing on the eye

The fact that Iraola’s team have scored two goals in four of his five matches is a real positive. Throw in the fact that Liverpool have only conceded one goal in their last three – which came against Atletico Madrid – shows that his defensive tweaks are beginning to work.

This was no quick fix. Slot’s side needed to reset, have a confidence boost and be led by a head coach with fresh ideas. There’s also no doubt that Iraola is one of the most intriguing young managers within the game, and he’s clearly relishing his new challenge.

He has remained calm and, despite conceding a few sloppy goals, his team have yet to be beaten – and that’s a step in the right direction.

Work to do but promising signs

Liverpool are far from perfect, but Iraola’s positive, attacking style of play should see his team pick up plenty of points this campaign, especially at home.

While winning the Premier League may be a step too far in his first season, there’s no reason to suggest that his team can’t grow and have a good run in the Champions League. No-one likes coming to Anfield and he can certainly use that to his advantage.

The longer that Liverpool remain unbeaten, the more that other teams will begin to take them seriously – and they should under Iraola’s careful watch.