Iraola Tells Liverpool Fans: Expect Ups and Downs After Frustrating Fulham Draw
Liverpool, England—September 14, 2026—Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has urged supporters to accept the inevitable “ups and downs” of the early transition period at Anfield after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Fulham on Saturday.
The former Bournemouth manager, appointed in June to replace the sacked Arne Slot, admitted the performance against the Cottagers represented a clear step backwards after morale-boosting victories over Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
“I understand the frustration the other day (against Fulham) because we were also frustrated,” Iraola said. “We were coming from two good games, and we were considering, ‘OK, it’s a step forward.’ You switch, it’s a step forward, Atletico Madrid… and then it’s a step backwards.
“The performance level is not like the two other days. But this happens in football. We have to accept it in terms of there are going to be ups and downs in this process.
“But we are clear that where we want to go is more towards where we’ve been, Atletico Madrid, Ipswich. That’s the kind of style, that’s the kind of football that we want. And I think now the key is the consistency to perform like this.”
Stuttering Start Raises Early Questions
Liverpool remain unbeaten under Iraola but have already dropped points in three of their opening four Premier League matches.
The side sits well off the early pace in the table after home draws against Nottingham Forest and now Fulham, plus a draw at Newcastle and a solitary league win at Ipswich.
The Spaniard pointed to a lack of freshness after a short turnaround from the midweek European fixture as a contributing factor, while also highlighting problems creating clear-cut chances—the first time his side had struggled significantly in that regard since his arrival.
Iraola confirmed he is content with the resources available, bolstered by summer arrivals including Bradley Barcola, Jeremy Jacquet, and Victor Munoz.
He indicated he would rotate the squad for Tuesday’s League Cup third-round clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, with Giorgi Mamardashvili set to start in goal in place of Alisson Becker.
“I am very happy with the squad; I value a lot the players we have,” he added. “If we win games, the squad will look amazing and fantastic. If we don’t win, there are going to be problems—if it’s not the depth, it’s going to be whatever.”
Focus on Consistency and Style
Iraola’s comments reflect the challenge of embedding a high-intensity, pressing style similar to the approach that earned him strong reviews at Bournemouth.
The early weeks have shown glimpses of progress mixed with the inevitable adaptation issues that come with a new coaching regime and a squad still integrating high-profile summer signings.
Liverpool next face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup before returning to Premier League action. Supporters will be watching closely to see whether the Reds can rediscover the levels shown against Ipswich and Atletico Madrid and begin converting promising displays into consistent results.
news FG Slashes Late Tax Interest Rates from October 1, Ties Them to Market Benchmarks
news IGP Disu Bags Prestigious CIPM Fellowship for Reform Leadership and Welfare Excellence
news Atiku Pledges Targeted Fuel Subsidy, Hails Warm Ondo ADC Reception
news Shipping Lines Hail US Lift of 12-Year Security Restriction on Nigerian Ports
business Tinubu in Paris Backs $7bn Ogun Deep Seaport Deal with DP World for Jobs and Trade
How do you feel about this news?
Community Additions
Have a news tip, correction, or extra context about this story? Post it below instantly. All submissions appear live on this screen immediately.