Iraola 'excited' ahead of first Premier League game managing Liverpool

The Reds and the Magpies clash at St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon under new management. Iraola takes over Liverpool whilst Matthias Jaissle oversees Newcastle for their first Premier League games in charge. 

Newcastle have avoided defeat in each of their last four opening day clashes but Iraola has never lost to Newcastle in the top flight and Liverpool are unbeaten in their first Premier League match in each of the last 13 seasons. 

Iraola ready for his first clash

Speaking on his first top flight game in charge of Liverpool, Iraola admitted that he is excited and revealed his aims for the season ahead.

"I feel excited. I can feel it even in the atmosphere when we train with the players, you feel like this week is a little bit different.

"We have been preparing for friendlies - but this is much different. I'm looking forward to being there on Sunday, feeling the pressure and starting a competition that we like. 

"I want to be a really good team and use the good players I have in the best way, so they gave us the chance to fight for everything." 

Could Liverpool make more signings?

As fans wait to see how Liverpool perform this weekend, all eyes are still on the club's transfer activity, with Paris Saint-Germain wingers Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola linked throughout the summer. 

Asked about the possibility of signing more players before the summer window slams shut in 10 days, Iraola admits he and his team are working hard to secure a stronger squad.

"As a manager, it is an easy one for me. I wanted the players for the first day of pre-season, with every position covered and top-level players throughout, you know?

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

Iraola backs Isak

Moving on from improvements in attack, the manager was asked about striker Alexander Isak. This weekend's game could be Isak’s first Premier League appearance against Newcastle since leaving for Liverpool last summer.

As he comes face to face with his old side, Iraola backed the Swedish striker in what he thinks is a special game.

"It's always special when you play against your old team in their stadium. In the same way, when I go back to play against Bournemouth, you always want to do well in the Premier League.

"The first game of the season, everyone is going to be very motivated and I think it's going to be the same for Alex (Isak)."