Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola remains without a Premier League victory after his side’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, but the Spaniard believes the performance showed signs that his new-look team is beginning to develop under his management.
Liverpool have drawn both of their opening league matches, leaving Iraola still searching for his first win since taking charge of the club this summer.
Despite the slow start, the former Bournemouth manager said the second-half improvement against Nottingham Forest gave him confidence that Liverpool’s foundations are beginning to take shape.
Iraola was appointed after Liverpool endured a difficult title defence last season, dropping from champions in 2025 to fifth place despite spending a Premier League-record £446 million on new players.
His task is to restore Liverpool to the top of English football while bringing back the intensity and attacking energy that previously defined the club under Juergen Klopp.
Iraola wants Liverpool to play with intensity
Iraola has made it clear that he does not intend to adopt a cautious approach.
The Spanish coach wants Liverpool to play on the front foot, attack quickly and press opponents aggressively.
His preferred style is expected to appeal to supporters who became accustomed to Klopp’s high-intensity football before Arne Slot introduced a more measured approach during his two-year spell in charge.
However, Iraola’s tactical transition is still developing, with Liverpool struggling to maintain the required intensity for an entire match.
Against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool conceded their opening goal after Dan Ndoye led a direct counterattack.
The first half also contained long periods in which Liverpool lacked urgency, something that frustrated their new manager.
Second-half improvement encourages Iraola
Liverpool showed a significant improvement after the interval.
The team became more aggressive without the ball and moved possession at a faster pace, allowing them to create more pressure and eventually find their way back into the match.
Alexander Isak scored Liverpool’s equaliser shortly after the hour mark, before newcomer Victor Munoz produced another important contribution with a late equaliser.
Iraola acknowledged the difference between Liverpool’s two halves and said the team had shown considerably more intensity after the break.
However, he also admitted that the improvement was not enough to secure all three points and blamed the team’s first-half performance for the dropped points.
Victor Munoz impresses
Victor Munoz has also emerged as a positive feature during Liverpool’s opening matches under Iraola.
The winger had already made an impact in Liverpool’s first league game against Newcastle, when he won a late penalty that helped secure a 2-2 draw.
Iraola praised Munoz for his performances in both matches, highlighting the player’s determination and willingness to continue making attacking runs.
The manager also praised his defensive contribution, saying the winger had remained a threat while helping the team without possession.
For Iraola, Munoz’s attitude represents an important part of the mentality he wants from Liverpool’s attacking players.
Liverpool’s slow starts remain a concern
While the second-half response has encouraged Iraola, Liverpool’s tendency to start matches slowly remains his biggest concern.
The problem is not simply about attacking efficiency, according to the manager. He believes Liverpool must improve their work without the ball.
Against Forest, Iraola felt his players were too passive during the opening half and allowed too much space between different areas of the team.
He believes that when Liverpool increased their intensity, they began winning more individual duels and attacking more quickly.
The manager has therefore identified defensive intensity and pressing as areas that require immediate improvement.
No panic at Anfield
Despite Liverpool’s winless beginning to the Premier League season, there is reportedly little panic around Anfield.
Iraola has previously indicated that changing Liverpool’s tactical identity would require time, particularly after the team spent two seasons operating under a different approach.
His demand for greater tempo and intensity was therefore unlikely to be fully implemented immediately.
The two draws have at least demonstrated Liverpool’s ability to recover from losing positions, something Iraola views as encouraging.
The team has now come from behind in consecutive matches, showing character even though the results have not yet produced a victory.
Barcola set to strengthen attack
Liverpool are also expected to add further attacking quality to Iraola’s squad.
British media reports say the club has finalised an agreement to sign France winger Bradley Barcola from Paris St Germain.
The 23-year-old’s pace and direct running are considered well suited to Iraola’s high-energy attacking system.
His arrival could provide Liverpool with another option on the wings and potentially help the manager implement his preferred style more effectively.
For now, however, Liverpool remain a work in progress.
The opening two matches have produced plenty of attacking entertainment and encouraging moments, but Iraola knows his side must improve its intensity from the opening whistle if Liverpool are to turn promising performances into victories.
Also read: Options To Replace Jurgen Klopp At Liverpool
