Iraola warns Liverpool must reach ‘very, very good’ level to beat Manchester City

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola says his side will need to produce an outstanding performance if they are to defeat Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool return to action following the international break with Iraola encouraged by their recent progress, although he believes improvements are still required before they face Pep Guardiola’s side.

“We need to be very, very good if we want to beat City,” Iraola told beIN SPORTS.

Manchester City have been particularly effective in attack in recent weeks, scoring heavily during their run of victories.

“They’ve been especially offensive, scoring a lot of goals lately,” Iraola said. “We know the names that are very dangerous.”

Liverpool have tightened up defensively in their latest matches, but Iraola wants that improvement to be matched by a more fluent attack and greater control of games.

The manager acknowledged that his team have not always found the right balance between committing players forward and protecting themselves defensively. He highlighted the goals Liverpool conceded on the counter-attack against Newcastle as an example of the risks involved.

“We want to attack very well and defend very well,” he said. “Sometimes you have to adapt the team to what you prefer or what the requirements of a specific game are.”

Liverpool’s preparations have also been affected by injuries sustained during the international break. Iraola confirmed that Alex Isak and Cody Gakpo both returned with injuries, with their involvement against Manchester City dependent on whether they recover in time.

Although Liverpool are unbeaten in their recent run, Iraola accepts that Sunday’s opponents represent a significant test. Manchester City have also won every match during the same period.

Rather than setting a specific points target for the season, Iraola said Liverpool must focus on achieving the highest possible standard and competing at the top of the table.

“If we can give these players a good platform and a good structure, I’m sure we will be there fighting for the titles,” he said.

The match will also be a test of Liverpool’s development in front of their home support, with Iraola expecting the atmosphere at Anfield to provide an important boost.

“We know we will have to be at our best, and I also know the people will be looking to help the team,” he said.