Andoni Iraola's Liverpool to-do list: defence, attack and a return to chaos

Andoni Iraola faces a demanding first summer at Liverpool after taking over from Arne Slot, with the club needing a swift reset after a poor title defence. Liverpool finished 24 points worse off than in Slot’s first season, conceded 53 league goals, and suffered 20 defeats in all competitions, leaving Iraola with plenty to fix before the new campaign begins.

His first priority is the defence. Liverpool were unusually vulnerable last season, especially from set pieces, and Iraola will have to tighten that up quickly. He will also be working without Ibrahima Konate, who has left on a free transfer, meaning young defenders Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni may have to step up and form a new partnership with Virgil van Dijk.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is another key issue. Reports have linked him with Juventus, but Liverpool are understood to expect him to stay after extending his contract earlier this year. Iraola will also need clarity over Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez, both of whom have contracts running down and uncertain futures at Anfield.

Beyond personnel, Liverpool want a more aggressive style of play. The club’s statement on Slot’s departure made clear that they want a “front-foot, aggressive and urgent” approach, and Iraola’s preference for chaos over control should suit that brief. He is expected to bring back a more intense, energetic version of Liverpool football to get Anfield buzzing again.

Attack is another major challenge. Liverpool spent about £320.5m on Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, but injuries meant the trio played together for only 119 minutes. Iraola will need to get those expensive signings working in tandem and produce a far better return than the 19 league goals they managed between them in their first season. That includes finding the best version of Isak, the Premier League’s record signing, without much time for extended pre-season coaching.

He will also be asked to revive several players who dipped last season, including Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. At the same time, there is growing excitement around Rio Ngumoha, and Iraola must decide how quickly to turn the 17-year-old from an impact substitute into a regular option on the left.

Liverpool’s recruitment strategy will matter too. Iraola is not expected to drive transfers himself, but he will have a voice in shaping the squad alongside Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards. The club already see RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, and Jamie Carragher has said Liverpool need at least a right winger, a right-back and a central midfielder.

In short, Iraola’s job is not just to improve Liverpool; it is to rebuild their confidence, sharpen their style and make sure the next version of the team feels more like the old Anfield force.