Iraola Calls for More Wingers as Liverpool Begin Life After Salah

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has acknowledged that the club needs to strengthen its wide attacking options as the Reds prepare for their first Premier League season without Mohamed Salah since 2016-17.

Iraola, who joined Liverpool from Bournemouth during the close-season to replace Arne Slot, will take charge of his first Premier League match on Sunday when Liverpool travel to face Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The match begins a new era for Liverpool following Salah's departure to Turkish club Trabzonspor earlier this month. The Egyptian forward leaves Anfield after an outstanding spell in which he scored 257 goals and helped the club win major honours, including the Premier League and Champions League.

Iraola Wants More Options on the Wings

Liverpool's attacking depth has been further affected by an injury to Hugo Ekitike and uncertainty surrounding Cody Gakpo's future.

The club has added Victor Munoz during the summer and still has Federico Chiesa and teenage forward Rio Ngumoha available. However, Iraola believes additional options are required on the flanks.

“There are certain situations that, for me, are clear, especially on the wing because we do not have enough players able to play in those positions,” Iraola told reporters.

The Spanish coach stressed that Liverpool should not sign players simply to fill positions, but should target individuals capable of improving the overall quality of the squad.

Liverpool Facing Major Rebuild

Salah is not the only experienced player to leave Liverpool this summer. Defender Ibrahima Konate has moved to Real Madrid, while Andrew Robertson has joined Tottenham.

The departures leave Iraola rebuilding a team that finished fifth in the Premier League last season, just a year after winning the league title.

The Liverpool manager admitted that the club had lost significant experience but believes younger players are ready to take on greater responsibility.

Iraola praised the attitude of his squad during pre-season and said the club's younger players could step into leadership roles as the new campaign begins.

Focus Turns to Newcastle

Iraola arrives at Liverpool after an impressive spell at Bournemouth, where his tactical approach and high-energy football helped the club secure European qualification last season.

He now faces the challenge of rebuilding Liverpool while attempting to restore an attacking style that supporters expect from the club.

With the transfer window remaining open until September 1, Iraola could still see further additions arrive at Anfield. However, the manager insists his immediate focus is Sunday's difficult trip to Newcastle.

Liverpool will hope their existing squad can make a strong start while the club continues to assess potential additions before the transfer deadline.