Liverpool’s Iraola era shows promise but victory remains elusive

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is still waiting for his first Premier League win after a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, although the second-half response strengthened his belief that his new-look team is beginning to develop.

The former Bournemouth manager was appointed during the northern hemisphere summer with the task of reviving a side damaged by last season’s unsuccessful title defence. Liverpool dropped from champions in 2025 to fifth place, despite spending a Premier League record £446m (R9.7bn) on new players.

Iraola has been brought in to return Liverpool to the top of English football and restore the intensity that once made Anfield one of Europe’s most intimidating stadiums.

His approach is based on attacking football rather than caution. The Spaniard wants Liverpool to play on the front foot, move the ball quickly and press opponents relentlessly. That philosophy is likely to appeal to supporters who watched Jurgen Klopp’s “heavy-metal football” for several seasons before Arne Slot’s more controlled style during his two-year reign.

However, the adjustment is far from complete. Nottingham Forest opened the scoring through Dan Ndoye after a direct counter-attack, while Liverpool produced a slow and ineffective first-half display.

“I think we improved a lot in the second half. We were much more intense, much quicker on the ball, with more sense of urgency,” Iraola said.

“But it’s not enough to win the game, and I think we have to blame the first half that we had.”

Liverpool were markedly better after the interval. Alexander Isak brought them level shortly after the hour mark, before new signing Victor Munoz scored a late equaliser to secure another point.

Munoz had also played a decisive role in Liverpool’s opening match of the season, winning the late penalty that led to a 2-2 draw against Newcastle six days earlier.

“I think Victor has been very good in both games,” Iraola said.

“Everything hasn’t been perfect, but he’s continued trying all the time, and he’s gone again and again and again. I like this a lot from the wingers. He has always been a threat and also defensively has helped us a lot.”

Slow starts remain a significant concern for Iraola, with Liverpool carrying over a problem that affected them last season. The manager believes a lack of urgency without the ball is preventing his players from imposing themselves early in matches.

“When we improved the intensity, we won more duels and started attacking quicker and attacking better. This lack of intensity without the ball has hurt us,” he said.

There is little sense of alarm at Anfield despite the club’s winless start. Iraola had already warned that a tactical transformation would take time, and the demand for a faster, more aggressive style was never likely to be fulfilled immediately.

Liverpool are also preparing to add further attacking quality to the squad. British media reports say they have finalised an agreement to sign France winger Bradley Barcola from Paris St Germain.

The 23-year-old’s pace and willingness to run directly at defenders are viewed as a strong match for Iraola’s high-intensity system.

For now, Liverpool remain suspended between encouraging signs and tangible progress. Their performances are becoming more entertaining, but the victories that would confirm the change in direction have yet to come.

Reuters