Iraola: Happy Gakpo Stayed

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has commented on the closing of the transfer window. Towards its end, the Merseyside club brought in Bradley Barcola, while Cody Gakpo was close to a move to Manchester City but ultimately remained at Anfield.

Iraola revealed that Barcola is already training with his new teammates and is almost certain to be in the squad for tomorrow's away game against Ipswich. “We are very happy with Bradley. He was our priority. He comes with the right mindset. I like that he was very keen to come to Liverpool. That’s a very good sign for a player of his caliber and what he has achieved. He comes with the desire to help us,” the Spaniard added.

Regarding Gakpo, he stated: “Cody is a smart player. My relationship with him has been frank from the start. He has performed very well during pre-season and in matches. He was aware of the transfer market situation; we spoke constantly. He is physically and mentally well. I am pleased that we kept Cody because he is a valuable footballer.”

Iraola explained his satisfaction with the wingers at his disposal: “I am used to demanding that all wingers play on both sides. They have probably played more on the left, but I think they can also play on the right. Rio (Ngumoha) has the desire to develop and play on the right. Even Bradley. I think he is open to playing on both flanks. It depends on the opponent, but I am happy with the wingers we have.”

“Since the start of the season, we have been in a losing position 90% of the time because we conceded early goals. So, the focus is on starting matches better, not waiting for them to score against us, to be more aggressive. We need to start stronger because everything is easier when you control the result,” he added.

“I am very happy with the new signings. Did I want more? The club decided that these players would improve us as a team. There were other options that we decided not to pursue for various reasons. Sometimes sporting, sometimes economic,” Iraola concluded.