Sawt Falasteen - Iraola wants to sign wingers to boost Liverpool's attacking options

Iraola will take charge of his first Premier League game as Liverpool manager at Newcastle on Sunday after arriving from Bournemouth to replace the sacked Arne Slot in the close-season.

The trip to St James' Park also marks the start of Liverpool's first season without Salah since 2016-17.

Salah joined Turkish club Trabzonspor earlier in August, bringing down the curtain on the forward's iconic Anfield career, which featured 257 goals and multiple trophies including Premier League and Champions League titles.

With Hugo Ekitike injured and doubts over Cody Gakpo's Liverpool future, Iraola has limited options to support Alexander Isak in attack.

The Reds signed Victor Munoz in the summer and also have Federico Chiesa and teenager Rio Ngumoha, but Iraola would prefer to bring in more players on the flanks.

"In terms of what we need, there are certain situations that, for me, are clear, especially on the wing because we do not have enough players able to play in those positions," the Spaniard told reporters on Friday.

"Beyond those positions, I think we have to be open-minded in the market and look at situations that can improve our team.

"It is not about signing a player because we need someone in a particular position. No. It is about improving the squad. We have very good players already here, so to improve, you need a specific level of player."

- 'Lost a lot' -

Salah's exit is a major blow for Liverpool regardless of his poor form last season.

Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson also departed for Real Madrid and Tottenham respectively.

Iraola is having to rebuild a squad that finished fifth in the Premier League last season, just 12 months after winning the title.

"We lost a lot in terms of experience, high-level players who have performed so well for so many years here but I think it is also a natural thing in clubs," he said.

"I think we have a lot of young players willing to take those minutes and ready to take those leadership roles. Overall, I am very happy with the attitude of the players in the pre-season."

Iraola earned plaudits for leading Bournemouth to European qualification last season with his astute tactics and high-energy style of play.

He will be tasked with mounting a title challenge while restoring the entertaining approach lost during Slot's difficult second season.

Landing his preferred targets before the transfer window shuts on September 1 would ease Iraola's acclimation to life on Merseyside.

"You understand how the competition works, that the market is open when you start the season," he said.

"We have to adapt as coaches to this situation because there is a lot of uncertainty. Not just at Liverpool, but everywhere, because the market is open. But we have to adapt.

"Honestly, I don't spend too much time thinking about these things. I know that you will spend a lot of time asking me about the market and this, but I am focused on the game against Newcastle. That is massive for me.

"You have seen the very good players that we have right now in the building, so we can be competitive from the beginning."

I.Matar--SF-PST