Andoni Iraola is already facing a number of major decisions at Liverpool

Andoni Iraola is already facing a number of major decisions at Liverpool Liverpool Pre-season Reality Check as Andoni Iraola Faces Rebuild at Anfield Liverpool’s pre-season has barely begun, yet the scale of Andoni Iraola’s task is already impossible to ignore. This is not a squad needing a handful of refinements or one marquee addition. It is a group reshaped by departures, injuries and a change in direction, leaving the new head coach with major decisions before a competitive ball has even been kicked. Arne Slot acknowledged before his departure that another transition was coming, although he believed it would be smaller than the previous summer. Events have proved otherwise. Liverpool have continued to lose influential players, with the cumulative effect now placing enormous pressure on Iraola’s first transfer window. The question is no longer whether Liverpool need reinforcements. It is how quickly they can address several key positions before the Premier League season begins. Squad Rebuild Presents Iraola With Immediate Challenges The list of departures tells its own story. Trent Alexander Arnold, Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson have all moved on from the side that lifted the Premier League title only 15 months ago. Add Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Jarrel Quansah and Caoimhin Kelleher into that equation, with Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott also linked with exits, and Liverpool are dealing with the sort of turnover that rarely produces instant success. There is no disguising the size of the rebuild. During his first press conference, Iraola acknowledged the obvious. “We need more players. We know this.” “The club is working on this.” Photo: IMAGO That honesty reflects the current reality. Liverpool’s pre-season preparations are taking place with several long term absentees unavailable. Hugo Ekitike remains out until at least Christmas, Conor Bradley continues his recovery, Giovanni Leoni is still rehabilitating from an ACL injury, while Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns are recovering from hamstring problems. Those injuries reduce Iraola’s flexibility before tactical ideas have even been properly implemented. Right Wing Emerges as Liverpool’s Biggest Priority Liverpool’s recruitment strategy appears to have a clear starting point. Replacing Salah’s influence was always going to be one of football’s most difficult assignments. Even during what many viewed as a disappointing final campaign, the Egyptian still contributed 22 goal involvements. Across the wider departures from the title winning squad, Liverpool have lost 81 goals. Victor Munoz arrives with obvious potential, but the Spaniard is naturally more comfortable on the left, where Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha already provide depth. Continued links with Bradley Barcola also point towards another player whose strongest work comes from that side. The imbalance is obvious. As Iraola explained: “It is clear we need a player there, I wouldn’t say to replace Mo Salah, but we need one more winger.” Current options on the right are far from ideal. Harvey Elliott, Jeremie Frimpong, Federico Chiesa and teenage prospect Josh Abe all offer different qualities, yet each comes with limitations. Frimpong is needed at right back, Chiesa may be required through the middle, Elliott’s future remains uncertain and Abe, despite his enormous promise, has only recently turned 16. Liverpool therefore enter pre-season with their biggest attacking vacancy still unresolved. Defensive Questions Continue to Grow While much attention naturally focuses on replacing Salah, Liverpool’s defensive concerns deserve equal attention. Jeremy Jacquet arrives from Rennes carrying significant promise, but asking an inexperienced young defender to immediately replace Konate represents a considerable gamble. Giovanni Leoni’s return from long term injury cannot be rushed, Joe Gomez’s fitness record remains inconsistent and Virgil van Dijk has accumulated enormous mileage over recent seasons. Experience appears to be missing. Right back also remains unresolved. Frimpong has not fully convinced in that role, Bradley faces a gradual return following serious injury and there are surprisingly few credible transfer links despite the obvious need. Photo: IMAGO Midfield presents another discussion altogether. Liverpool still lack the natural holding midfielder many supporters have wanted since Fabinho departed. Ryan Gravenberch was encouraged into a more advanced role last season, leaving spaces that opponents exploited repeatedly. Whether Liverpool revisit targets in that position during pre-season may ultimately define how quickly Iraola can implement his preferred approach. Opportunity Hidden Within Liverpool’s Transition Periods of significant change rarely arrive at convenient moments, but they also create opportunities. Iraola inherits a squad containing talented young players alongside experienced leaders who remain capable of driving standards. His challenge lies in accelerating development while adding enough quality through recruitment to keep Liverpool competitive immediately. His outlook remains confident. “It is not easy; it has to be players who have shown a good level.” “We are here to solve these kinds of problems and to try to maximise what we have.” “I trust myself a lot, and I’m ready for the challenge that I know is very big.” Those words probably capture Liverpool’s situation better than anything else. Pre-season is about preparation, but this summer feels equally focused on reconstruction. Iraola has inherited one of Europe’s biggest jobs at a moment when expectations remain exceptionally high despite extensive change. Whether Liverpool return to genuine title contention this season may depend less on tactical innovation and far more on how effectively this rebuild is completed over the coming weeks.