Alexander Isak says Liverpool need time to adapt to Andoni Iraola’s style

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak says the team need time to adjust to new manager Andoni Iraola’s methods, but believes positive results will follow once the players become more comfortable with his approach.

Liverpool drew 2-2 with Bournemouth at Anfield in the second round of the Premier League, leaving them with two points from their opening two matches. The Reds had begun the campaign with the same scoreline against Newcastle United.

Speaking to English broadcaster “TNT Sport”, Isak said the squad were working hard to put Iraola’s ideas into practice.

“Things were good, there is always a period of adapting to a new style, we are working very hard to try to implement the way the manager wants us to play, and when we start carrying that out better, I have no doubt that the results will come too,” said the Sweden international.

Isak also welcomed opening his Liverpool account, saying scoring goals remained the central responsibility of any forward.

“That is the striker’s job, to score goals, and I am very happy to score the first one. Every striker wants to score in every match they play,” he added.

The draw at Anfield followed Liverpool’s 2-2 result away to Newcastle United in their opening fixture. It means Liverpool have become only the second team in Premier League history to begin a season with two consecutive 2-2 draws.

Everton were the first side to do so, starting the 2014-15 campaign with the same sequence of results.

Liverpool had previously opened a league season with two draws in 2022-23. They finished that campaign in fifth place.

The match also brought the first points of the season for Forest under their new manager Oliver Glasner. Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White scored Forest’s goals, while Isak and Victor Munoz found the net for Liverpool.

Isak’s goal was a particularly welcome moment for the striker after he had stressed the importance of patience while the team adjusted to Iraola’s system. Liverpool are still searching for their first victory of the campaign, but Isak remains confident that improved performances in training will eventually be reflected in the league table.

The result extended Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season, although two points from two matches leaves them with work to do as Iraola continues to establish his style at Anfield.