Andoni Iraola praised the influence of Alexander Isak and the discipline of Liverpool’s side after the 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, which gave the new manager his first coaching role. Premier League The win lifted the Reds to fifth place in the table.
Isaac scored twice in the first nine minutes at Portman Road to put the result beyond doubt before half-time, converting at the near post from Cody Jacobo’s first assist in the sixth minute before showing quick feet to round Kjell Scherben and slot home an open goal three minutes later.
The goals were Isaac’s second and third of the Premier League season, matching his entire tally from a difficult first season at Anfield plagued by injury under Arne Slott.
The win came at a crucial moment for Iraola, who had drawn his first two matches and was under increasing scrutiny after a chaotic summer. The Basque manager was clearly at ease in his post-match interviews.
He said: “Definitely to get the first win. We needed that win like that. We got a clean sheet. We controlled the game well – I think we started the game really strong, and then the second half was a different kind of game. Maybe it wasn’t as good as the first half.”
Erola on Isaac: My fight with him will be about other things
Iraola was adamant about the quality Isak brings to Liverpool, while also revealing that his expectations for the striker extend beyond goals.
“He’s a huge player for us. Maybe my demands won’t be about goals, I know he’s fit and in good shape. He’ll put up the numbers.
He added: “My battle with him will be about other things, and how to help the team in other situations, but it is good that he has already played two full matches and scored goals, so I am very happy with his presence.”
“Today I thought we were much better in our pressing in the first half, so we were covering the ball very high and we could connect with him in good positions. If we get the ball back down low, he’s going to be hard to find, so it’s all about a community effort to get the No. 9 into the situations he was in today.”
