Andoni Iraola: Liverpool Need Points Everywhere, Home or Away

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola stresses his team must start earning Premier League points wherever possible, aiming for their first home league victory at Anfield.

The Reds have not secured a win in their initial three top-flight home matches under Iraola, despite achieving better outcomes at Anfield in other competitions.

Liverpool has defeated Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, and Tottenham on home turf. Iraola points to these performances as proof that his players can deliver in front of their supporters.

Ahead of Liverpool's upcoming Premier League match against Brighton, Iraola stated his primary concern is accumulating points, rather than breaking a specific unwanted streak.

“I want to win games. Home, away, we need points wherever we can get them,” he remarked.

“It's true we haven't won the three games [at home], but our three wins in other competitions – against Atletico, Villarreal, Spurs – were high-level matches, and we performed well at home in those victories too.

“We have two more [Premier League] games at home, so I’d really like to win them, but I’d say the same if we were playing away.”

Iraola Highlights Young Players' Progress

The Liverpool manager believes the development of his young players has fostered a positive atmosphere, with each success encouraging others.

“I think they support each other. You could sense it immediately, even in pre-season and among those who played,” Iraola commented.

“You could feel after their performances they were looking at each other, congratulating each other. When they see one of them getting a start in the Champions League or the Premier League, and perhaps it’s not themselves, they feel like ‘OK, I’m close to being there’.”

Rio Ngumoha has drawn particular attention after recent performances, including a strong showing against Villarreal in the Champions League.

However, Iraola advised the 18-year-old to stay focused on improvement, avoiding outside distractions.

“I think every player must focus on their performances – on continuing to do well, improving what they can improve,” he said.

“Outside noise, whether positive or negative, obviously has an effect, but we must not be affected by those things.

“Continue to do your job as well as you can, improve what you can improve – don’t be swayed by what you hear.”