Liverpool's Andoni Iraola feels his squad lacks enough wingers
What's the story
Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola has admitted that his squad is short on wingers as the new season begins. However, he is confident that they will find a solution before the transfer window closes. The admission comes after Liverpool's £50 million bid for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh was rejected earlier this week and explored a possibility to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye. Meanwhile, PSG's Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool's main target.
Managerial perspective
We have to adapt, says Iraola
"As a manager, this is an easy one for me. I wanted the players for the first day on 13 July - everyone here and all the positions doubled with top-level players," said Iraola on Friday at a press conference.
"But you understand how the competition works, that (the) market is open and you start the competition. We have to adapt as coaches to this situation."
"I hate these two weeks or these 10 days that we have because there is a lot of uncertainty - but not in Liverpool, everywhere. But we have to adapt."
Squad changes
Liverpool's summer transfer window so far
Under Iraola's management, Liverpool has signed Victor Munoz for £34.5 million and Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.
French center-back Jeremy Jacquet also joined from Rennes in a £60 million deal agreed back in January.
However, the club also witnessed some high-profile departures this summer including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate.
Curtis Jones is also set to leave for Inter Milan in a £30 million deal.
Squad improvement
Iraola opens up on wingers' situation
Iraola stressed the need for specific players to fill gaps in the squad, particularly on the wings.
He said, "There are certain situations that for me are clear - especially now on the wing because we don't have enough players specific to play in those positions."
The Liverpool manager also hinted at being open-minded in the market to find players who can improve their already strong team.
Future plans
'We will definitely sign some players'
In a separate interview with Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports, Iraola assured fans that Liverpool will be signing new players.
He said, "We will definitely sign some players. Some deals you have to wait until the end."
The Liverpool manager also spoke about Curtis Jones's move to Inter Milan, saying he valued him as a player but understood the outcome of his situation.