Andoni Iraola expressed his delight with Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Ipswich Town on Friday night.
After two 2-2 draws with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest respectively, the pressure was starting to mount on the new boss.
His high-intensity, attacking style didn’t appear to be working as we had all hoped and many were wondering if he is any better than Arne Slot who was sacked at the end of last season.
However, Iraola did warn us in pre-season that it would take a few weeks for his new system to click and Friday’s performance at Portman Road demonstrated that clearly.
Alexander Isak looks like a new player, sharp and eager to score, Ronald Araujo has helped shore up the defence and Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola are proving to be a handful at the other end of the field.
“Very pleased with the win, obviously,” said Iraola after the game. “We needed this win and as well with the performance, especially first half we have been a very good team.
“We put a lot of pressure to the opposition and I think we started really strong in the game.
“I think that we learned, probably, the lessons from the last two games where we conceded early goals and today we didn’t want this to happen, and we were really strong in the first half.
“In the second half also, I think in a different way. We controlled the game, we defended well, but we didn’t have this threat offensively, probably.
“But overall, I think it’s a game to finish quite pleased.”
The win will give the Reds a boost as they prepare for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid at Anfield. It will be a physical test, but one which the defence should be better prepared for now.
A victory should wipe the smile off Diego Simeone’s face.
