Iraola tells FSG he needs more signings as Liverpool target right-back cover

Andoni Iraola used his first press conference as Liverpool manager to send a direct message to owners Fenway Sports Group on Monday, stating he needs further signings before the summer transfer window closes in September — even after the club’s £94.5m double swoop on centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and left winger Victor Munoz.

“We’ve signed two players already but we need more players,” Iraola told reporters at Liverpool’s AXA Training Complex. “The club 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.”

The 44-year-old Spaniard was appointed on a two-year contract last month, replacing Arne Slot, who was sacked following a disappointing second season at Anfield. Iraola arrives from Bournemouth, where he built a reputation for high-intensity, tactically disciplined football.

Right-back is understood to be a priority area for recruitment. Both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley endured injury-disrupted campaigns last season, leaving Liverpool short of reliable cover in the position.

The timing of the rebuild is complicated by the ongoing World Cup, with clubs reluctant to sell players mid-tournament. Iraola said he has been careful not to intrude on players still competing or recently eliminated, though he has held conversations with much of the squad.

“I spoke with the players at the World Cup — especially the ones who are eliminated, enjoying their holidays,” he said. “I didn’t want to disturb them while it was ongoing but I had some good talks.”

Alexis Mac Allister is currently Liverpool’s only representative still active in the tournament. Iraola confirmed he has used the pre-season build-up period to speak extensively with staff and players already on site, including members of the under-21 squad.

“I used these weeks before training to talk with a lot of people who work here every day,” he said. “They create a good environment so our players can perform to the maximum.”

On his early tactical conversations with the squad, Iraola added: “I talked to the players, the staff — things we’re working well on and what we want to do differently, not better, different. 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.”

With the window open until September, Liverpool’s recruitment team faces pressure to move quickly, particularly given the World Cup’s knock-on effect on the availability of targets.