Four key questions every Liverpool fans wants Andoni Iraola to answer during his first press conference
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Andoni Iraola has had more than a month to settle into his own skin as Liverpool’s new head coach before he faces the press on Monday.The Basque has hopefully been immersing himself in the Reds in the weeks since his appointment was confirmed, and it has been great to see him finally out on the pitches at the AXA Training Centre.In the meantime, though, fans have been growing a little anxious at the lack of activity in the transfer window, and with plenty of other things needing to be clarified, and with the new season steaming into view, they will be keen to hear from Iraola. As Michael Edwards leaves Liverpool for a second time, rank these 10 signings from most to least important in the Reds’ recent success He was PIVOTAL in bringing some big names to Anfield Sadio ManeGini WijnaldumAndy RobertsonMohamed SalahVirgil van DijkAlisson BeckerFabinhoDiogo JotaThiago AlcantaraIbrahima KonatePhoto by Robin Jones/Getty Images What can we expect from the rest of the transfer window?Liverpool’s transfer window got off to a good start, with the arrival of Victor Munoz to go with the pre-agreed Jeremy Jacquet deal by the end of June.However, things have gone quiet since, and with news that top target Yan Diomande preferred to join Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool have been left looking a little blunt.There have been some paranoid suggestions that the Reds will do no further business, despite needing players in three or four positions, and fans are starting to worry about what could happen next.READ MORE: Andoni Iraola’s latest pre-season plans have Liverpool fans terrified all over againPhoto by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesAs any manager worth his salt tends to do, Iraola will no doubt bat back questions related to what Liverpool may or may not do in the next six weeks, but it will be good to take the temperature of his answer regardless.With Richard Hughes lurking in the shadows before his eventual exit to Al Hilal, Iraola is the only person who will publicly give any indication of what could happen.
As a result, expect his answers on Monday to be dissected to the letter by online Liverpool supporters.Will Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley be ready to play in pre-season?Away from transfers, Liverpool fans also need to know that the players they do currently have are all fit and healthy heading into the summer friendlies.The two of most concern are surely Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, both of whom are reported to have been doing rehab work since Iraola’s appointment.Without new signings at centre-back or right-back, both players will be needed going into the season, and fans will be hoping that being available in pre-season could give them a platform to be ready from day one. Iraola is likely to be able to give some clarity on where they are up to.Which youngsters have caught his eye so far?When Iraola speaks to the press on Monday, he is likely to have been joined by some senior Liverpool players.Those who were not involved in the World Cup are expected to report back, which will include the likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Milos Kerkez, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones.
Which Liverpool youngster will make the biggest impact under Andoni Iraola and become a first-team member? Four really talented young players… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Dan Isitene/James Gill/Danehouse/Liverpool FC/Nick Taylor Instead, Iraola has spent the past few days running the rule over some of Liverpool’s best young talent.Players such as Josh Abe, Will Wright, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and perhaps even 15-year-old Luca Eden could be going on tour this summer, and it will be interesting to hear Iraola’s thoughts on what he has seen so far, and if any of the young talents in particular have stood out.Who is expected to go – and not go – on tour to the USA?Finally, that should lead nicely into the question of which players will make up Liverpool’s squad for the upcoming tour of the USA.The Reds are back in friendly action on July 25th, and though many of the team’s stars will still be missing, there is expected to be a good mix of senior and younger players travelling to America.Iraola is unlikely to give any kind of definitive list, but he may at least be able to provide some information on who will not be involved for Liverpool.Pre-season is set to ramp up over the next two weeks, and as Liverpool supporters finally get to see the reality of Iraola as their new head coach, he can provide some reassurance and, hopefully, some excitement, by resolving these four key issues.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox