Charlie Adam Interview: Iraola has given Liverpool a clear identity
Former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam has told NewBettingOffers.co.uk that one major positive to take from Liverpool’s mixed start to the season is the clear style and identity which new manager Andoni Iraola has brought to the team.
The ex-Reds midfielder offered his thoughts on his former side’s start to the 2026/27 campaign and how he thinks new manager Andoni Iraola has performed so far.
Speaking to NewBettingOffers.co.uk, Adam said: “I think it has been a mixed start to the season for Liverpool. They conceded two goals against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in the opening two Premier League games, which isn’t ideal.
“I didn’t think they played well in the first half against Forest but they definitely improved in the second half. Then, beating Ipswich 2-0 was a good win for them away from home.
“There has been a lot of change at the club in the past couple of years and they have made a number of new signings this summer, as well as bringing in the new manager. I wouldn’t expect everything to click immediately.
“There is clearly quality in the squad, but they are not the only team to have a new manager with lots of changes to the squad, and some of the others have made better starts. That said, some haven’t – look at Spurs, for example.
“One big positive is that you can already see clearly what Andoni Iraola is trying to do with his style of play and identity. He always wants his team to be positive and play forward quickly. He wants energy and aggression at the top end of the pitch and he wants to play with speed.
“The challenge is going to be finding the balance. At times, especially against Forest, they’ve looked open to the counter-attack and vulnerable in transition. They need to be wary of that.
“It has been a decent enough start, but they’ll definitely be hoping to improve over the next couple of weeks before the international break.”
Isak has all the makings of a top striker
Adam doesn’t feel it’s too early to get carried away with Alexander Isak’s recent performances.
“I don’t think it’s too early to be getting carried away with Alexander Isak’s recent form,” he said. “Strikers want to score goals and need to score goals, which is what he’s doing at the moment.
“His performances in a Newcastle United shirt were outstanding and the transfer fee was mad, but that’s just football and the Premier League nowadays. He has all the attributes to be a top striker in terms of his movement, pace, finishing, composure, and his ability to score different types of goals.
“Now it’s about making sure the creative players around him are working well with him. Victor Munoz has done well since he’s come in and it’s players like him, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola who need to be providing for Isak.
“We’ll only be able to properly judge Isak in a Liverpool shirt after 10 or 15 games this season, so long as he stays injury-free.”
Barcola won’t replace Salah; it’s an impossible task
Adam doesn’t believe Barcola can directly replace Mohamed Salah, labelling it an ‘impossible’ task.
“Replace is the impossible word when it comes to Mo Salah,” said Adam. “He is one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players.
“What Barcola can do is provide the team with a different type of threat. He’s explosive, fast and brilliant in one-v-one situations. He’s also able to attack spaces in behind defences, which is something I don’t think Liverpool do enough of at the moment. A lot of the players seem to want to come to the ball, receive it to feet and turn.
“Ultimately, it will come down to how consistently he can produce goals and assists. That is what he will be measured on.
“He came in for a big fee, but the price tag is what it is and you just have to deal with it. The way to deal with it is by performing at a top level and giving the fans what they expect.
“I don’t expect Barcola to be Salah, but he will be an important player for Liverpool in the future.”
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