Andoni Iraola backs Bradley Barcola to make an immediate Liverpool impact

Liverpool are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season after drawing 2-2 with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. On both occasions, they needed late goals to rescue a point, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring against Newcastle before summer signing Victor Munoz struck late against Forest.

The arrival of Barcola could now give Iraola another attacking option as Liverpool look to get their campaign moving.

Barcola joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week and could make his debut at Portman Road.

Iraola is delighted with the signing and believes the French forward has already shown the right attitude.

"We are very happy with Bradley. It was our priority to sign a very, very good player in those positions," Iraola said.

"He has also come with the right mentality. I like that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He wanted to come here. It's a good first sign.

"Being the player he is, he has come with the willingness to help us. He is playing well for us and, if everything goes well in training today, he will definitely be available for us tomorrow."

The Liverpool boss was also pleased to retain Cody Gakpo after the forward was linked with a move to Manchester City during the transfer window.

Iraola said he has maintained an open relationship with Gakpo throughout the uncertainty surrounding his future.

"My relationship with Cody has been very honest from the beginning," he said. "He has played very well for us so far.

"He was always aware of the situation in the market. We were constantly talking. I hope we can keep him at the same level.

"He is in a good place physically and mentally, and I'm very happy to pick him."

However, Iraola stopped short of confirming whether Barcola would start against Ipswich.

"I see him in a good place. He has trained for us, it's true he hasn't had minutes in pre-season," he said.

"He has been training, and it's a decision we have to make. But we have to consider he hasn't had minutes in pre-season games."

Iraola admitted he is frustrated that Liverpool have taken only two points from their opening two matches, but believes the squad is now better prepared with the transfer window closed.

"Definitely. If you don't win, you are frustrated. It's only two games, but we need to win," he said.

"I'm much more comfortable now the market is closed, and we know who we are. We have to perform and do our job."

Ipswich will provide a difficult test in front of their home supporters, despite Liverpool being the favourites.

Iraola warned his players that the hosts have already shown they can cause problems at home.

"Ipswich are a team that won their first game at home. Even the other day, in the first half, they were the better team until United got the 2-1 and the game went open," he said.

"We have to be ready and give our best."

Liverpool could also have to find a solution at right-back, with Conor Bradley still unavailable and Jeremie Frimpong coming under pressure for his performances.

Iraola suggested Szoboszlai could provide an alternative option in the position if required.

"The challenge in the squad now is we don't have Conor there at right-back. That's why I value Dom at right-back as he can play there," he said.

"Versatility in the player helps us go through the moments when we have injuries.

"In midfield we have good numbers. Now it's a matter of getting the right calls from myself. I'm finding now the best combinations."

Liverpool have won both Premier League meetings with Ipswich in the 2024/25 season, including a 2-0 victory at Portman Road and a 4-1 win at Anfield.

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