Liverpool entered the 2026/27 season facing one of the biggest changes to their squad and coaching staff in recent years. Arne Slot left the club at the end of last season, bringing an end to his time at Anfield after two seasons and a Premier League title, while several positions within the squad have also been reshaped. His replacement, Andoni Iraola, arrived from Bournemouth after guiding the club to their highest-ever Premier League finish and European qualification. Liverpool are therefore not simply trying to improve their team, but are beginning to establish a different identity under a new head coach.
From Slot to Iraola
Iraola has brought his own ideas to Liverpool, with intensity and defensive aggression already visible in his approach. The Spaniard has also had to manage a squad containing several players who are still adapting to his methods. Liverpool’s opening weeks have shown some progress, although there have been moments when the team has struggled to maintain the required tempo. Before the most recent international break, after Liverpool’s 1–0 win at Bournemouth, Iraola said his squad had improved since the opening matches but still had more areas to work on.
Liverpool’s Summer Recruitment
Recruitment has been at the centre of Liverpool’s transition, with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola among the most significant recent additions. Ronald Araujo has also arrived on loan from Barcelona, while Jeremy Jacquet has added further youth to the defensive options. These signings have changed the balance of the squad, giving Iraola players who can fit into his preferred style while also leaving him with the task of building relationships between established members of the team and those who have only recently arrived.
Liverpool’s New Attacking Core
The biggest change has arguably come in attack, where Liverpool now have a very different group of options. Isak has made the strongest start, scoring twice against Ipswich before finding the net again in the victory over Bournemouth, taking his league total to four goals in his first five appearances. Wirtz has shown flashes of his creativity but is still adjusting to his new surroundings, while Barcola only joined at the start of September and is continuing to settle into the side. Cody Gakpo remains one of the most integral members of the forward line, showing his quality and continued value to the side so far this season.
A New Defensive Appearance
Liverpool’s defence is also beginning to take on a new shape, with Jacquet forming a promising partnership alongside captain Virgil van Dijk. Araujo has provided another option after making his first start at Ipswich, while Milos Kerkez has also been used as Iraola looks for the right balance across the back line. Liverpool have kept several consecutive Premier League clean sheets this season, with Iraola praising the growing understanding between his defenders after the Bournemouth victory.
Where Do Young Players Fit in?
The rebuild also creates opportunities for Liverpool’s younger players. Rio Ngumoha has already featured this season, including a start against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, while Trey Nyoni and other academy graduates, such as Lewis Koumas, remain part of the wider squad picture. Iraola therefore has the opportunity to develop young players alongside the club’s major new signings rather than relying entirely on established names. How many of those youngsters can turn early opportunities into regular first-team football will be an interesting part of Liverpool’s development this season.
The Early Results
Liverpool remained unbeaten under Iraola after seven matches across all competitions, with four wins and three draws before the most recent international period. Their Premier League campaign began with draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest before a 2–0 victory at Ipswich, a goalless draw with Fulham and a tricky 1–0 win away at Bournemouth. They have also opened their Champions League campaign with a 2–1 victory over Atletico Madrid, topping off some results that provide a positive foundation, although the performances have not always been convincing.
The Problems Iraloa Still Has to Solve
There are still clear areas for Iraola to address as the rebuild develops. Liverpool have sometimes struggled to create consistent attacking pressure, with only six shots recorded in the Bournemouth victory despite having several high-profile forwards on the pitch. Injuries have also reduced his options, with Conor Bradley among those still unavailable. The demanding schedule will provide another test, particularly as Liverpool prepare for a difficult run of fixtures involving Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup football.
How Liverpool Could Look at the End of the Season
It remains too early to know exactly what Iraola’s Liverpool will look like by the end of the season, but the foundations of a new side are already visible. For supporters, pundits and anyone placing football bets online, the big question is how quickly the new arrivals can settle. Isak has provided an early source of goals, Jacquet has impressed alongside Van Dijk, and the club’s younger players are receiving opportunities, while Wirtz, Barcola and Araujo are still adapting.