New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola admits the Reds need further reinforcements after losing three high-profile players this summer.
Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all departed on free transfers following the expiration of their contracts, with Robertson joining Tottenham and Konate completing a move to Real Madrid.
Spanish winger Victor Munoz became Iraola’s first signing after arriving from Osasuna last month, while centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has also joined the squad after agreeing a move from Rennes in January.
Both Munoz and Jacquet celebrated their birthdays on Monday, turning 23 and 21 respectively, but Andoni Iraola recognises that Liverpool still need to add more experience to their squad ahead of the new season.
“We’ve signed two players, we need more, we know this,” said the former Bournemouth at his introductory press conference as Liverpool head coach.
“We are working on this. As a coach I want the players here from day one, selfishly, but we know it doesn’t work like this, we’re working hard for those signings.”
One player who could be viewed as a new signing for Liverpool is Harvey Elliott, who has returned to the club after a difficult loan spell with Aston Villa.
The midfielder made just nine appearances during his time at Villa Park and became involved in uncertainty over whether his loan move would be made permanent.
When asked if Elliott would be part of his plans, Iraola said: “Definitely.
“Harvey is here with us, I have seen him with the eagerness to show up, get super ready. He’ll have a chance in pre-season, we’ll need him and it’s a good sign. I hope we can see him in a good place.
“I think Harvey comes from last season had to be difficult for him, strange situation, they couldn’t even play him and I think he uses this experience – the bad situation – to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player.”
“I talked to the players and the staff on things we’re working well on and what we want to do differently, not better, different,” he added.
“I have the advantage, the players know what we want to demand in terms of style of play. I ask players where they are comfortable, so I can understand it.
“I see them train, make some tests in pre-season and then take decisions from that.”
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