Liverpool boss Iraola admits squad still short after Salah, Robertson and Konate exits

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has warned his reshaped squad remains incomplete after the summer departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, insisting further signings are essential before the Premier League season begins.

Speaking to reporters in Chicago, the Spaniard said the club still needed to strengthen in key areas, with several senior players having left and others currently sidelined through injury.

Reuters reported that Liverpool have so far brought in Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, but have lost Salah, Robertson and Konate, while Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leone are all out injured.

‘We definitely need a winger’

Iraola said it was difficult to draw up a complete blueprint for rebuilding the team while the transfer window remained open, stressing the need to react to opportunities that might arise.

“It is difficult to define all the team’s needs precisely while the transfer market is still open, as you always have to be open to opportunities that may help improve the squad,” he told journalists.

However, he made clear that some priorities are already set.

“There are obvious positions that we know we need to reinforce. For example, we definitely need to sign a winger,” he said.

In other departments, he indicated Liverpool would have to balance what is available in the market with the quality already at the club.

“In other positions, we have to evaluate the options available in the market, the cost of the signings, as well as the level of the players we have. There are some positions that seem complicated, because we have injured players in whom we trust, but the situation is still far from ideal.”

Experience drain and Alisson uncertainty

The exit of Salah, Konate and Robertson has stripped significant experience and leadership from Liverpool’s dressing room at a time when the future of Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains uncertain.

Iraola underlined how crucial Alisson’s presence could be in easing the transition for a remodelled squad.

He said: “I think he will be a very important element in helping new players adapt, whether they are experienced or younger players.”

The Liverpool boss also highlighted the importance of a core of long-serving figures as the club moves into a new era under his leadership.

“We need role models in the dressing room, such as Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Joe Gomez, who have spent many years at the club. And I am confident that we will get this type of support,” Iraola added.

Pre-season schedule and Premier League opener

Liverpool’s preparations for the new campaign step up with a friendly against Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, the first in a series of pre-season fixtures.

The Reds will then face Wrexham, Leeds United, Monaco and Como as Iraola looks to bed in his new signings and assess the remaining gaps in his squad ahead of transfer deadline day.

Liverpool open their Premier League season away to Newcastle United on 23 August, a demanding first test for Iraola and a squad still being rebuilt after the loss of some of its biggest names.