Andoni Iraola continues to make an impact as he settles into life at Liverpool, with the head coach being praised for the positive start to the season
Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher has praised Andoni Iraola for the start he has made as head coach for the Reds, revealing how his doubts about the Spaniard have turned into "cautious optimism".
It follows a positive opening to the campaign at Anfield for the head coach, with the side sitting fourth in the Premier League with just one defeat suffered so far, as well as a 100 percent record in both the Champions League and EFL Cup.
Given last season's difficulties, the squad's top-heavy nature, and the general lack of depth across positions, Iraola has managed most of the challenges thrown his way so far, with a clear belief that things could get even better moving forward.
While it may be early to suggest a Premier League title challenge is on the cards, with six points separating Liverpool from Arsenal at the top, a win at the weekend when the two teams meet would blow the race wide open ahead of the November international break.
The overall expectation may be to stay competitive in all competitions, and to land a place in the Champions League again for next season, but it's been a positive start either way, and one that has removed a few doubts from Carragher about Iraola's tenure as head coach.
Having reflected on the Spaniard's start, and where the potential weaknesses were, the former defender has made a U-turn on those initial concerns.
Writing in The Telegraph, he said: "I count myself as one of those on a journey with Iraola from initial scepticism following his appointment towards cautious optimism having seen his vision starting to take shape.
"My fear at the start of the season was that Liverpool employed a manager who had never won a trophy, nor managed in European competition. These did not strike me as solid credentials for a job of such stature.
Andoni Iraola is still settling into life at Liverpool as head coach(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
"It felt like a gamble to opt for someone who would have to learn how to manage a big club rather than arrive ready-made. There was a lot to do, and some unanswered questions about what made Iraola the standout candidate, particularly given those who picked him – Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes – were about to announce their own departure as chief executive and sporting director, respectively."
Iraola will certainly be hoping to continue on the current trajectory that has been set out, while his tactical principles are still being put into place with a team that is managing well across all competitions.
It remains to be seen whether he will be tested more as the season draws on, with the balancing of those competitions becoming tougher as the rounds go on and the potential injuries pile up.
For now, however, the biggest challenge is simply the next one, as Arsenal come to Anfield in another test of the side's ability. The opposition has shown signs of weakness, with defeats to Brighton and Fleetwood Town this season, which may suggest it will be far from an easy afternoon for the visitors.
A Champions League clash with Fenerbahce then awaits in midweek, before a Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace to send the team into the November international break for another few weeks of assessment.
