Iraola: We Will Sign More Players, Hopefully More Than One

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has expressed confidence that the club will sign at least two new players before the summer transfer window closes. So far, the Reds have bolstered their squad with Jérémy Jacquet, Victor Muñoz, and Ronald Araújo, but they are actively pursuing two more wingers, a fact the Spaniard virtually confirmed. The primary target is Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, and as of yesterday, reports emerged that Brighton's Yankuba Minte could be the second new winger. According to sources, the Seagulls rejected Liverpool's initial offer for Minte, but the Merseyside club is expected to return with an improved bid. If the opportunity arises, the Anfield club will also look to sign a new midfielder to replace Curtis Jones. Adam Wharton and Alex Scott were linked with this role, but Crystal Palace has already declared Wharton non-transferable.

Here's what Iraola had to say before making his Premier League managerial debut with Liverpool. His new team faces a tough away fixture against a revamped Newcastle in the opening round.

"I feel excited; I can sense it in the atmosphere around the players. This week has been different from the pre-season friendlies. So, I'm looking forward to Sunday to experience the pressure and the competitive atmosphere. I enjoy that. Expectations? The goal is to be a really good team and utilize the players I have in the best possible way."

"We will definitely sign more players. I hope more than one. A manager selfishly wants to have all the players they will work with from day one, but things don't work that way. The market is open, so we have to train under these conditions. There's a lot of uncertainty in the last two weeks or ten days, but that's not just at Liverpool, it's everywhere. I don't spend much time thinking about these things; I'm focused on Newcastle," Iraola stated regarding the anticipated transfers.

When specifically asked about Barcola and Minte, Iraola added: "You know, we can't talk about players who aren't ours. I understand the questions. You know the situation with Curtis Jones is developing. I spoke with him during the first or second training session, and I value him highly; he loves this club, and that was clear. But I understood that the outcome would eventually be this way. What do we need? Some things are clear – we need players for the wings, where we lack options. In other positions, we need to be open to situations that can improve our team. It's about improving the squad."

Iraola also commented on the situation with Cody Gakpo, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham:

"Gakpo is performing well; from day one, he understands everything we need. You can feel it immediately; he's intelligent, he understands the game. He was one of our best players in the friendly matches, performing well. I can't tell you the lineup, but he's in good form."

The Basque specialist anticipates a tough away game at St. James' Park on Sunday, despite Newcastle being in a period of significant transformation.

"I know Matias from before, but for the first match, you have to analyze everything. We don't have that many friendly matches to refer to, but ultimately, that doesn't change the style too much. They will be strong in transitions, fast, physical... The atmosphere will be heated, so it won't be an easy match. We have to be ready."

"We are not at 100%, but I am happy with the level we are at – we can compete and win matches. We definitely need to improve, and we will try to do that as quickly as possible. In pre-season, you never know where you stand. You make a lot of changes, you don't know how strong or weak the team will be. Friendlies are a good indicator, but they are not the real thing. We are in good shape."

Iraola revealed who will be Liverpool's vice-captains, who would wear the armband in the absence of regular captain Virgil van Dijk.

"Virgil, Alisson, Gomez, and Szoboszlai. I explained to Alisson that it might not be possible for him to wear the armband because there's a significant restriction on goalkeepers wearing it. I wanted to tell him that he is valued, which is why I explained it to him."