Arne Slot was sacked as Liverpool’s manager after a title defence that saw you lose the same amount of league games as Sunderland. Did fans feel it was the right decision?
I think it was the right decision in the end.
Of course there was some mitigation and he managed a lot of problems off the pitch well. But on the pitch, there was no signs of him turning things around and the final results of the season didn’t help.
It would’ve been nice to to give him a proper farewell and show how grateful we were
for him delivering our second title in 35 years.
The man to replace him was ex-Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. What was the reaction like to this and what will he bring to the table?
We’re all expecting Andoni Iraola to bring back an exciting style of play that will get Anfield rocking again.
That had been completely lost last season. The main things Liverpool fans want are intensity and effort, Iraola teams have those in abundance.
In terms of expectations for the season, what do you think Iraola should be aiming for?
Based on the current transfer activity, it’s hard to see Liverpool making a serious challenge for the title.
Champions League qualification is a must, compete well in the cups, but the most important thing is to get that energy back around the club.
To add to the changes, Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all departed on free transfers. Always two were aging, do you think it will be Liverpool’s hardest task this summer replacing them?
Replacing those departed players has already shown as a huge task.
At centre-back, we’ve already signed Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for a hefty fee. He has huge potential, but it’s going to be a big step up. The replacement for Andy Robertson looks to be Kostas Tsimikas, who spent last season on loan at Roma – massively underwhelming.
Replacing Salah is near impossible. We tried for Yan Diomande, but PSG and Real Madrid are ahead in that race. A move for Bradley Barcola is expected, but again that’s going to be incredibly difficult.
One pre-arranged incoming was highly rated French centre back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. What style of defender is he and is he expected to partner Van Dijk?
Jacquet looks incredibly promising.
Tall frame, fast, brilliant on the ball. It’ll be interesting to see how he handles the physicality of the Premier League. Going up against Brian Brobbey would’ve been the perfect test!
Hopefully he hits the ground running, but either way he’s expected to be one of the standout defenders in Europe.
Liverpool also pipped Newcastle to the signing of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz – what do you think he will bring to the team?
Victor Munoz is an exciting signing.
Really smart. Reasonable fee, really versatile, rapid and has shown he can provide solid output. And he’s now a World Cup winner! (despite playing 0 minutes)
He looks a real character too, which is always a real bonus.
In terms of play style, what are fans expecting Iraola to change from Slot?
Liverpool fans are expecting a higher intensity and much improved running stats.
Very few teams had lower running numbers than Liverpool last season, that just shouldn’t happen.
Another big factor is creating chances for the striker, especially one like Alexander Isak. That service was non existent under Slot, so it’ll be interesting to see how that changes.
Like Sunderland, Liverpool will be missing a vast range of players from the World Cup. What would be your guess at the starting XI?
Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Jacquet, Gomez, Kerkez, Jones, Nyoni, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Chiesa, Ngumoha.
Lastly, for a bit of fun, what is your score prediction?
Score Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Sunderland – but it should be a really fun game!
