New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola faces the task of restoring an underachieving, costly squad to the Premier League title race, with his intense attacking approach intended to erase memories of last season’s failure to defend the crown.
Key takeaways
- Arsenal begin their title defence against promoted Coventry City on August 21.
- Liverpool open their campaign away to Newcastle United on August 23.
- Arne Slot was dismissed on May 30 after Liverpool ended the previous season in fifth place.
- Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate departed when their contracts expired.
- Alexander Isak is set to enjoy a full pre-season after overcoming last year’s disrupted preparations.
Iraola’s Liverpool project starts
The 2026-27 season begins on August 21, when reigning champions Arsenal welcome Coventry City, who have been promoted to the top flight. Liverpool’s opening fixture follows two days later at Newcastle, offering supporters their first competitive look at Iraola in charge.
When he was appointed in June, the 44-year-old Spaniard outlined the identity he wants his side to develop. The former Bournemouth coach said Liverpool must be hard-working, forceful and intense, attack vertically and make sure every player is recognisable and comfortable contributing to the team.
Iraola’s preference for moving the ball forward at speed could resonate with Liverpool supporters, who have become accustomed to adventurous teams and sustained domestic success. The club ended a long period without league glory by winning the championship in 2020, then added another title in 2025.
Slot succeeded Juergen Klopp in 2024 and delivered the league trophy during his first season in the dugout. However, Liverpool’s investment of roughly £400 million ($539.88 million) before the following campaign failed to produce the expected improvement.
A damaging sequence of six losses in seven league matches from September to November 2025 sent the season off course. Liverpool ultimately placed fifth, finishing 25 points adrift of Arsenal at the top.
That result led to Slot’s removal on May 30, while Iraola arrived several days later. The new manager, though, inherits a club with considerable instability still to resolve.
Squad changes and fitness concerns
Liverpool have lost three major figures since the end of last season. Egypt international forward Mohamed Salah, along with defenders Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, all left after reaching the end of their contracts.
French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and Spanish attacker Victor Munoz have joined the senior group. The squad should also benefit from Alexander Isak completing a full pre-season, having missed last year’s preparations while his prolonged move from Newcastle United was being finalised.
Isak’s campaign was then interrupted by an ankle fracture in December. Yet his displays for Sweden at the World Cup indicate that the 26-year-old striker may be approaching his best form again, a timely development for Liverpool.
The tactical transformation will place major physical demands on the team. Iraola’s system requires players to maintain their running in both phases, combining defensive effort with aggressive movement in attack.
During pre-season, Iraola admitted that Liverpool had not yet developed the capacity to maintain the intensity he expects from the opening whistle through to the end of a match.
