Iraola reveals he never doubted Gakpo after blocked Manchester City move as Liverpool claim first win

Andoni Iraola has insisted he never lost faith in Cody Gakpo, even as Manchester City came close to signing the Dutch forward in the final days of the summer transfer window. Gakpo repaid that trust with two assists for Alexander Isak as Liverpool defeated Ipswich Town to secure Iraola’s first Premier League win as manager.

City had launched a bid for Gakpo, but Liverpool blocked the move after failing to identify suitable replacements. Rather than any lingering uncertainty, Iraola was emphatic about the winger’s standing at Anfield.

“Cody knows how much we value him. There is no doubt. I rate him very highly,” Iraola said. “He has been very good all preseason. He started the season very well, producing numbers today. After the two assists, he finishes as number nine to help us close the game. It’s good to have Cody because he can play in three positions up top.”

Isak’s brace took his tally to three Premier League goals this season — matching his entire league return from the previous campaign. Iraola was measured in his expectations of the striker, stressing that collective performance, not just goals, would be his primary demand.

“If he’s fit, if he’s available, if he’s in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers,” Iraola said. “My demand with Alex will not be about the goals. I will demand other things so we can play well. And if we play well, the goals will come.”

The result also marked a debut off the bench for Bradley Barcola, who completed his £106 million move to Liverpool in the summer. Iraola was cautious about the Frenchman’s workload, noting he had not played a single minute since the World Cup. “Thirty minutes is going to be good for his fitness and his build-up,” the manager said, adding that Barcola would have further opportunities given the volume of fixtures ahead.

Iraola acknowledged the relief of ending a run of two opening draws, saying the four points from those games did not reflect Liverpool’s performances. “We couldn’t lose anymore and I’m happy because I think we controlled it well today.”

Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil took a positive view despite the defeat. “After the first two goals, we recovered and matched them and were arguably the better team at times,” he said. “I’m proud of my players.”