Andoni Iraola has revealed he has spoken to his Liverpool squad about their lack of urgency at the start of games, an issue that became a major concern under predecessor Arne Slot.
Liverpool have fallen behind in both Premier League games this season, conceding after just five minutes at Newcastle United before fighting back to earn two successive 2-2 draws.
Liverpool lost 18 of the 22 games in which they conceded first last season, with comeback wins against Newcastle and Eintracht Frankfurt their only exceptions.
Andoni Iraola criticised his side’s lack of aggression at St James’ Park and wants his players to be more proactive from the first whistle when they face Ipswich Town on Friday night.
“We have to play with some sense of urgency from the beginning of the game,” Andoni Iraola said. “Sometimes you start the game and you are like ‘okay, let’s see what happens today’.
“No, it’s like we need already in the first minute, 0-0, we are not comfortable, we have to go for the game, and not wait until the other team has a couple of chances or they score a goal for us to start taking more risks and for us to be more vertical and playing faster on the ball.
“I talk a lot with the players about having a sense of urgency. When we start the game we know there are 90 minutes to play, but we need to start more urgently because it will help us play at a higher tempo – and I think we are better in those situations.
“The first goal in football is very important. It gives you an advantage and you can play in a different way when you are winning.”
New £123m signing Bradley Barcola is in line to make his debut, while Iraola believes Barcola, Ronald Araujo and Victor Munoz will add valuable experience to the squad.
“Firstly we have signed some good players,” said the Reds head coach. “Players who are close to our game model, players that give us speed, some physicality also, and after they have this experience.
“Bradley and Ronald have much more, Victor doesn’t have maybe the same experience. But always experience is an extra piece, especially for big clubs, that is very valuable.”
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