'Restore our fear factor' - fans on Iraola's in-tray
Article excerpt
Liverpool fans are calling on new manager Arne Slot's predecessor to restore the club's feared status after a period of decline. Supporters want the team to reclaim its intensity, fix midfield vulnerabilities that have made them easy to exploit, and turn Anfield back into a fortress opposing teams dread visiting. The demands reflect frustration that Liverpool has lost the psychological edge that once characterized the club under previous management, with fans hoping the incoming regime can rebuild both the tactical foundation and the intimidating presence that made them formidable competitors.
[BBC]
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We asked for your views on what the first things will be in Andoni Iraola's Liverpool in-tray if he is to make a promising start at Anfield.
Here are some of your comments:
Fraser: Iraola needs to restore our fear factor. Last season we were far too easy to play against. Never mind top sides, even mid-table and even some relegation candidates were outplaying us. Teams were up for taking points off us and we were too passive. Iraola needs to sort out our midfield and stop us being easy to play against, restore our intensity and make teams be scared of facing us again, make Anfield a place to be dreaded for opponents.
Dave: Do for Liverpool what he has done for Bournemouth. Make players better and working as a team, with the added bonus of entertaining football for the fans. The players at the club should all buy in to his methods and reach their full potential as the Bournemouth players did whilst he was there.
KT: Shore up the leaky defence and shocking set-piece defending. Improve the overall drive by the team. As disappointing as the results were last season in too many games there seemed a lack of passion and drive from a large portion of the team on the field. That's the biggest thing that needs to change in my opinion.
Killian: I think the first objective has to be bringing the current crop of players up a level in performance. Most are Premier League winners. Last summer's signings are still excellent players and need to be coached. Small tweaks to the squad after that. Top three aim with good football played.
Caleb: Definitely an improvement from last season so maybe a third-place finish and possibly a trophy. Though I think if we play exciting football I will be happy anywhere in the top four.
John: Iraola's priorities should be: Unite the dressing room. Ensure the entire squad understands its responsibilities to the fanbase. Stress to Edwards and Hughes the importance of recruiting players who fit his style of play like a glove.
Gavin: Iraola needs to sort out the defence and attack, in particular right-back, centre-back and the wide areas. There are enough profiles in midfield to construct another title-winning side.
Jason: Galvanise the team and get them believing in his system, a system that presses, chases down every ball and doesn't give the opposition time to think. He has the players, he needs to re-establish the Liverpool identity and rebuild Fortress Anfield. Man management is key.
Ian: Bringing Harvey Elliott back is a must, he gives his all for the team and would give Alexis Mac Allister some much needed competition. Also, he needs to get the team and fans connected again, something that was lost under Arne Slot.