Iraola targets first Liverpool win and hails Gakpo’s value

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola says he is determined to secure the club’s first victory of the season when they face Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Friday.

Liverpool have drawn both of their opening matches, sharing a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United in the first round of fixtures before being held to another 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest in the second round.

Iraola acknowledged the frustration caused by Liverpool’s failure to win but said the team would travel to Ipswich focused on ending that run.

“I think Ipswich started well, as they won their first match at home,” Iraola said at his pre-match news conference.

Liverpool’s visit to Ipswich Town will open the third round of Premier League matches, with the fixture scheduled for Friday.

Asked about the fact that Liverpool are still waiting for their first win, Iraola said: “There is frustration. When you do not win, you feel frustrated. That is part of the job.”

He added: “It is true that we have only played two matches, but I want to win and I need to win. We will go to Ipswich tomorrow with the aim of achieving our first victory.”

The Liverpool manager also said he felt more comfortable now that the transfer window had closed, giving the club greater clarity over the squad available to him.

“Now I feel much more comfortable. Once the transfer window is closed, we know who we are and what we have,” he said.

“I think we have a lot of talent in this group, and now we have to show our level.”

Iraola also expressed his satisfaction that Cody Gakpo would remain with Liverpool, describing the Netherlands forward as an important player for the squad.

“Kody is a very intelligent player, and I think my relationship with him has been very honest from the beginning,” he said.

“He performed very well with us in all the matches during pre-season, and in all the matches in general.”

Gakpo has also impressed Iraola with his condition, both physically and mentally, as Liverpool prepare for their third league fixture.

“I think he is in very good shape physically and mentally, and I am very happy that Cody has stayed with us because, for me, he is a player of great value,” Iraola said.

Liverpool will therefore go into Friday’s match seeking to convert two draws into their first three-point result of the campaign. Ipswich Town, meanwhile, have already shown signs of promise after winning their opening home match of the season.