Andoni Iraola could offer Mohamed Salah dressing room ally second chance after Liverpool arrival

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Andoni Iraola’s arrival at Anfield may signal a fresh start for forgotten Liverpool playersAndoni Iraola’s appointment could hand Kostas Tsimikas a new start at Liverpool. Iraola was appointed as the Reds’ new head coach earlier this month, succeeding the sacked Arne Slot off the back of a disappointing season.Iraola’s arrival will allow several Liverpool players the opportunity to force their way back into the club’s first team plans.

All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page"For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings," he said after taking charge. However, the Greek international still presents a solid back-up option, a role he played effectively for Liverpool for five seasons prior to his loan stint.While Iraola is likely to make former Bournemouth man Kerkez his first-choice full-back, the Hungary international needs competition for his place.

There is a left-back spot up for grabs in the squad following Andy Robertson’s exit this summer, and the club is expected to use funds to address other areas of greater priority in the transfer window.Tsimikas has another year left on his Liverpool contract and could therefore still be an important squad player under Iraola, just as he was under Jurgen Klopp. During his time with the Reds, Tsimikas even struck up a close friendship with one of the bigger dressing room egos in Mohamed Salah.The defender in 2021 admitted he didn't mind not being a regular starter, as Liverpool are a family.