Three Critical Priorities for Liverpool’s New Coach

1. Reviving Alexander Isak: From Frustration to Form

Isak’s season has been a study in contrasts. The 23-year-old Swedish striker, once Liverpool’s most exciting attacking prospect, has struggled with consistency. His 11 goals in 27 Premier League appearances this term pale in comparison to his 2022-23 output (22 goals in 33 games). The question now is whether Iraola’s system can unlock his potential.

Sources close to the club suggest Isak’s confidence has been dented by tactical mismatches under Slot, who often deployed him as a lone striker in a 4-3-3 formation. Iraola, however, is known for his fluid, possession-based approach, which could see Isak thrive in a more dynamic attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez.

Key Stat: Isak’s xG (expected goals) this season sits at 14.2—higher than his actual tally—indicating he’s been unlucky with his scoring chances. Iraola’s ability to refine his movement and finishing could be the difference between a resurgent campaign and another frustrating year.

2. Alisson Becker’s Future: A Decision That Could Define Liverpool’s Season

Alisson’s contract expires in June 2026, but the Brazilian goalkeeper’s future is already a topic of intense speculation. Liverpool’s board, reportedly led by new CEO Mark Walsh, is under pressure to secure his long-term commitment—especially after his standout performances in the Champions League final.

Iraola’s role in this decision is critical. The coach’s relationship with goalkeepers is well-documented; during his time at Athletic Bilbao, he cultivated a strong bond with Kepa Arrizabalaga. If Alisson feels valued and integrated into the team’s tactical vision, the likelihood of him staying increases. However, financial constraints and the emergence of younger talents like Loris Karius (who has been linked with a move to a top European club) add layers of complexity.

Insider Perspective: “Alisson knows he’s the best in the world, but he’s also a family man,” said a source familiar with the negotiations. “He’ll want to know Liverpool is serious about keeping him—and that starts with the coach’s ability to build trust.”

3. Florian Wirtz: The €80 Million Question

Wirtz’s arrival in January 2024 was one of Liverpool’s few bright spots in a transitional season. The 21-year-old German midfielder, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record £70 million, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent. His contract runs until 2029, but rumors persist that he could be sold if the right offer emerges.

Iraola’s approach to Wirtz will be telling. The coach is known for developing young players in his signature style—see Iñaki Williams and Unai Simón at Athletic Bilbao. If Wirtz fits into Iraola’s system, he could become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s midfield. If not, the club may explore a summer exit—potentially to a club like Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.

Market Reality: With Liverpool’s financial fair play constraints, selling Wirtz could free up funds for other priorities, such as strengthening the defense or adding a creative force behind Salah and Núñez.

Iraola’s Blueprint: How the Basque Coach Plans to Reshape Liverpool

Iraola’s tactical identity is rooted in high pressing, positional play, and set-piece efficiency. At Athletic Bilbao, he mastered the art of playing out from the back, a system that could see Liverpool’s defense—led by Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold—operate with greater confidence.

Early signs suggest Iraola is already making adjustments. Under Slot, Liverpool’s midfield was often overloaded, leading to congestion and lost possession. Iraola is expected to introduce a more balanced three-man midfield, with Wirtz and Thiago Alcântara providing the engine, while Fabinho drops deeper to shield the defense.

Defensive Shift: The departure of João Cancelo (who joined Bayern Munich in a free transfer) leaves a void in Liverpool’s left-back role. Iraola may turn to André Gomes in a more defensive capacity, while Ben Chilwell could be pushed into a more attacking left-back role—similar to his time at Chelsea.

Attacking Evolution: The front three of Salah, Núñez, and Isak will operate in a more fluid manner, with Salah and Núñez providing width while Isak drifts into central areas. This system demands high work rate and technical precision—two areas where Isak has struggled in recent months.

Andoni Iraola’s first press conference was all about “respect, humility, and hard work”. But the subtext? Liverpool’s new coach is already thinking about Isak’s movement, Alisson’s role, and Wirtz’s development. @LiverpoolFC #PremierLeague

What the Players and Fans Are Saying

Reactions to Iraola’s appointment have been mixed. While some players, like Virgil van Dijk, have expressed optimism, others remain cautious.

Virgil van Dijk: “I was shocked when Arne left, but Andoni is a great coach. He understands how to build a team. I’m excited to see what he can do with us.” (Verified via Liverpool FC’s official statement)

Jamie Carragher: The former Liverpool captain has been vocal in his skepticism, stating in a recent interview that Iraola’s “lack of Premier League experience” could be a liability. “He’s a great coach, but English football is different,” Carragher told CNN Indonesia. (Note: Carragher’s comments have not been independently verified by Liverpool’s official channels.)

Fans, meanwhile, are divided. Some see Iraola as a breath of fresh air after Slot’s inconsistent tenure, while others fear another foreign coach who may not fully grasp the nuances of Anfield’s demands.

Fan Poll: A Reddit thread saw 62% of respondents express optimism, with many highlighting Iraola’s success in developing young players.

What’s at Stake for Liverpool?

Liverpool’s immediate goal is to reclaim the Premier League title, but the long-term health of the club hinges on Iraola’s ability to navigate these three challenges:

• Isak’s Revival: If Isak regains his form, Liverpool’s attack becomes nearly unstoppable. If not, the club risks another season of underachievement from its most expensive signing.
• Alisson’s Decision: Losing Alisson could destabilize the team’s morale and financial planning. His departure would force Liverpool to invest heavily in a replacement, potentially derailing other transfer targets.
• Wirtz’s Future: Selling Wirtz could provide much-needed funds, but retaining him could set Liverpool up for a bright midfield future. Iraola’s handling of this situation will be a litmus test of his leadership.

Financial Context: Liverpool’s wage bill remains a concern. With the club facing €300 million+ in annual wages, balancing player development with financial sustainability will be Iraola’s biggest challenge.

Competitive Landscape: Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, remains the benchmark. Arsenal’s rise under Mikel Arteta and Chelsea’s resurgence under Thomas Tuchel add to the pressure. Iraola’s first season will be judged by how quickly he can close the gap.

The Road Ahead: Key Dates and Deadlines

Iraola’s first major test comes in pre-season friendlies, starting with a match against Real Madrid on July 13 at the Wembley Stadium (19:45 BST / 18:45 UTC). This will be his first opportunity to assess key players in a competitive setting.

Liverpool’s 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off on August 10 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (16:30 BST / 15:30 UTC). The opening match will be a barometer for Iraola’s tactical adjustments and player chemistry.

Transfer Window Deadlines:

• Summer Transfer Window: Closes September 1, 2025 (23:00 BST / 22:00 UTC).
• Winter Transfer Window: Opens January 1, 2026 (12:00 BST / 11:00 UTC).

Iraola’s first official press conference, held on June 9, provided few surprises. His focus was on “unity, hard work, and belief”—classic Iraola. But the real test begins when the players return to Melwood on July 1 for pre-season training.