Andoni Iraola told Liverpool problem he'll be walking into as Alexander Isak gets advice
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SportFootballAndoni IraolaFormer Liverpool forward Emile Heskey has been running the rule over the imminent appointment of Andoni Iraola and the form of Alexander IsakAndoni Iraola has been warned that he will be stepping into the unknown when he takes over as Liverpool boss.The Spanish coach will be confirmed as Arne Slot's replacement imminently, with talks - which have been led by sporting director Richard Hughes - having been ramped up in recent days.It was Hughes who hired Iraola for Bournemouth in 2023, and in his three seasons on the south coast the former Spain international defender earned rave reviews for his side's attacking style of football, something that Liverpool are keen to see at Anfield after the struggles of the past season under the now departed Slot.But ex-Reds forward Emile Heskey feels that Iraola may struggle to replicate the brand of football that was seen at the Vitality Stadium because opposition teams approach matches against Liverpool in a different manner.Reacting to Iraola's likely appointment, Heskey said: "Only time will tell because from what he's done, fantastic. Different formations, always on the front foot, but that's at Bournemouth."When you've got teams sitting back against you, giving you no room, you've got to really be the one making it happen."Teams are happy to just sit in with Liverpool and if it's 0-0, it's 0-0.
So he's got to figure all that out but the reality is we've seen Spanish coaches come in and they've always got the right know-how and right tactics to change things and to make things better."One player who could help Iraola ease into his new role is Alexander Isak, but the Swedish forward will have to show an improvement on the stuttering form and fitness he has shown since his British record £125m move from Newcastle United last summer.Isak, who scored just four goals during his injury disrupted campaign, netted on international duty on Monday, and Heskey is hopeful that a strong summer will get him up to speed for the challenges he'll face at Anfield."I think for him it's about having a good summer and just refocusing on what you want to achieve with Liverpool," said the former Reds and England forward, speaking at the Panini pop-up shop in Selfridges."Coming back super fit because that's one of the major things that a lot of the fans are disappointed in, his fitness levels."Coming back super fit so you're ready to really put that shift in. The thing with Liverpool fans, if you put that work in, they'll back you to the hilt.
He needs to be able to do that."FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageChoose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAndoni IraolaAlexander Isak