Liverpool looking to sign winger before transfer window closes, says Iraola

Liverpool are working to sign a winger before the summer transfer window closes, manager Andoni Iraola has said, while stressing that he cannot discuss the identity of a player who is not currently part of his squad.

Liverpool host Nottingham Forest on Saturday in the second round of the Premier League, with Iraola preparing for his first league match as manager at Anfield.

The manager said the club were actively trying to strengthen the position because he believes Liverpool do not currently have enough options in the wide areas.

“We are trying to sign players in the winger position,” Iraola said. “As you know, we cannot talk about players who do not belong to us at the moment, but it is clear that we are trying to improve this position or make up for the lack of depth because we do not have enough players.”

Iraola also emphasised the importance of maintaining Liverpool’s attacking threat while addressing the defensive weaknesses exposed in their opening match of the season.

“You do not want to lose the attacking side, either in terms of fluidity or getting into the box with a lot of players,” he said. “But it is clear that we were punished in the last match against Newcastle for our defensive problems, especially for the first goal.”

Liverpool began their Premier League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Their next fixture brings them back to Anfield, where Iraola said he was excited about experiencing his first competitive league match in charge.

“My first match as a manager at Anfield will be a special moment for me when I play my first Premier League match at Anfield,” he said. “I think I already felt that during pre-season.”

The manager was also asked about Jeremy Jacquet’s Premier League debut. Jacquet made his first appearance in the competition after playing only about 45 minutes during pre-season, but Iraola was satisfied with the overall standard of his performance.

“I think he played very well overall, considering that it was his first match and that he had basically played only 45 minutes during pre-season,” Iraola said.

He accepted that the young player would inevitably make mistakes, but praised his contribution in both training and matches.

“Of course, he will make some mistakes, and we have to accept that, but for me he is performing very well in training and in matches,” Iraola added.

Liverpool’s meeting with Nottingham Forest will therefore provide an early opportunity to respond to the defensive issues identified by their manager, while also giving Iraola the chance to lead the side in front of the Anfield crowd for the first time in a Premier League fixture.