Liverpool coach Iraola says club needs more players for 2026-27
Football

Liverpool coach Iraola says club needs more players for 2026-27

New head coach Andoni Iraola acknowledged transfer gaps after Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson departed, despite two summer signings.

4:33 PM

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said Monday that the club "needs more players" as preparations begin for the 2026-27 season, speaking at his introductory press conference at the club's Kirkby training base.

Iraola, appointed on a two-year contract last month, was asked about the club's transfer priorities following departures of key players. "Obviously we've signed two players already but we need more players, we know this," he told reporters.

The Merseyside club has signed centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais for an initial £55 million and forward Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million this summer. However, Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have left the club.

The 44-year-old former Bournemouth coach acknowledged the challenge of timing in the transfer market. "As a trainer, egoistically, you want the players here on the first day, ready to train from pre-season, but we understand that football doesn't work that way," Iraola said. "I know the club is working hard to get these signings and, obviously, I'm trying to help."

Iraola has spent the past week assessing his squad, speaking with players and staff and observing the under-21s as they began pre-season, along with some senior players who returned early from summer holidays. Senior players not involved in the World Cup are returning this week for testing before the club's tour of the United States begins next week.

At his first press conference, the Spanish coach fielded questions on a variety of topics and answered them in a calm and thoughtful manner, making what observers described as a confident start to his tenure at the club.

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