news-engine

← liverpool

Iraola: ‘We started really strong in the game’

VAVEL.com · Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere; VAVEL com · 2026-09-05T01:30:17+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Andoni Iraola looked back at his first Premier League win as the head coach of Liverpool. The Basque boss watched his men come back from a deficit twice against Newcastle United and then Nottingham Forest in August, and his imperative in his pre-match presser was getting a sharp start. ·‘We learned lessons from the last two games’ So, Cody Gakpo assisting Alexander Isak twice by the 9th minute was exactly what was ordered. The Reds were rewarded for their strong beginning with all three points, pleasing Iraola. “I think two points also don't reflect our two first games, but it was the points we had. So, definitely we couldn't lose any more today and I'm happy because I believe we controlled quite well the game. “Very pleased with the win, obviously. We needed this win and as well with the performance – especially [in the] first half we have been a very good team. We put a lot of pressure to the opposition and I think we started really strong in the game. “I think that we learned, probably, the lessons from the last two games where we conceded early goals and today, we didn't want this to happen, and we were really strong in the first half. In the second half also, I think in a different way. We controlled the game, we defended well, but we didn't have this threat offensively, probably. But overall, I think it's a game to finish quite pleased [about].” ·Iraola's demands of Isak “With Alex, if he's fit, if he's available, if he's in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers. My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably. It will be about other things, I will demand other things so we can play well and if we play well, we are in good positions, the goals will come. He has to contribute to the collective and when everyone helps, the goals and other stuff will come. ·High praise for Gakpo “I have no doubt with Cody. He has been very good all the pre-season, has started very well this season, producing numbers. Today again, after the two assists, he finishes [the game at] No.9 to help us close the game. I think it's good to have Cody because he can play in the three positions up top and to have him in this place for this beginning of the season is good. “Cody knows how much we value him, I think there is no doubt. I rate him very highly. I will demand from him, obviously, because there is also a strong competition for minutes because we have good players in those positions and it's a matter of pushing each other.”