Andoni Iraola Increases Demands for Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz in 2026

Andoni Iraola has challenged Liverpool’s record signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to up their levels during his first season in the Anfield dugout.

The Reds splashed a little over $300 million on the duo last summer, yet both seriously struggled to live up to their potential—and price tags—during their debut campaigns on Merseyside.

Wirtz certainly had the stronger year, finishing up with 15 goal involvements across all competitions, but the 23-year-old fell well short of expectations. Isak, meanwhile, endured a nightmarish season, missing several months of the campaign with a broken leg and scoring just four times in 22 appearances.

Now with a full season under their belts, there’s pressure on the two stars to deliver under new manager Iraola, who has detailed how they can improve during the upcoming campaign.

Availability Essential to Isak’s Success

Alexander Isak — Fitness issues have hampered Isak over the past year. | Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images

There’s little doubt that Isak’s greatest barrier to success at Liverpool is currently his fitness record. Performances must improve, of course, but Iraola believes keeping the striker healthy is the best way to make that happen.

“I think it is a massive season for Alexander,” said the Spaniard. “He knows at the end it is [about] two things: the first is availability, and without availability we cannot have the second thing, which is the performance level.

“But I think this has to be the first aim for us, to keep him in a good place in terms of being available. I’m sure if we manage to do this he will perform well because he has been very good during the preseason.

“If we can keep him at a good level he will score his goals and he will be a threat. I have no doubts about his level.”

Isak will be handed an opportunity to prove himself on Sunday during an awkward reunion with Newcastle United. The Sweden international is making his first return trip to St James’ Park in the Premier League opener and will receive a hostile reception following his bitter exit.

Iraola Reveals Key Wirtz Advice

Wirtz celebrates goal — Wirtz offered glimpses of his genius last season. | Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images

Iraola lavished praise on Wirtz ahead of the clash with Newcastle, but insisted the Germany international needs to work on being more patient on the field, utilizing open spaces rather than always looking to get on the ball.

“Florian understands the game very well, on the ball and without the ball,” Iraola told Men in Blazers. “He understands the spaces that he has to take, who is covering him, how he has to move, how to damage the opposition.

“Sometimes, he gets too attracted to the ball because he wants to be involved and touch the ball all the time. Sometimes, I have to tell him to leave some distance, wait, be a little bit more patient so the game arrives to you, and then you can hurt the opposition.

“But I think he loves the game. He asks the correct questions and you can feel it straight away.”

Wirtz was often used from the left-hand side last season under Arne Slot, but Iraola has already confirmed his decision to deploy his chief playmaker in attacking midfield. Perhaps the former Bournemouth boss can get the best from him over the next nine months.

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