Liverpool’s Andoni Iraola on Brighton’s Growing Confidence in Pre-Match Presser

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Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola previewed Sunday’s Premier League game against Brighton, which kicks off at 2pm on Sunday 25 October at Anfield. Samuel Barrott is the referee for Matchweek 8.

Iraola spoke about Brighton’s form, the type of game he expects, the need for points and the fitness of his squad. He confirmed that Dominik Szoboszlai will be out, and he also talked about Ryan Gravenberch’s ability to play at right-back.

Praise for Brighton

“I think they are doing incredibly well. They deserved all the praise they are getting and I think there is little doubt there.”

What he said

Iraola began by speaking about Brighton’s start to the season. He said they have earned the praise that has come their way and that he has little doubt about it.

What he meant

Analysis: The numbers back up the tone. Brighton are third with 16 points from seven games, have won five of them and have scored 23 goals while conceding five. They are unbeaten in their last five league matches, with four wins and a draw.

Iraola is describing an opponent who sit two places and four points above Liverpool, who are fifth on 12 points. That makes this a meeting with a side ahead of them in the table.

Brighton’s confidence

“we have to be at our very best to beat Brighton because now they are with confidence.”

What he said

Iraola said Liverpool will need to be at their very best to win, and gave Brighton’s current confidence as the reason.

What he meant

Analysis: Brighton’s recent results are the likely source of that confidence. They won 3-0 against Arsenal and 5-0 against Crystal Palace, both at home, and have conceded only twice in their last six games in all competitions. Their most recent game, away to Jablonec on Thursday 22 October, finished 0-0.

By stressing the standard Liverpool must reach, Iraola is setting expectations for his own players rather than playing down the opposition.

What kind of game to expect

“I think both teams will try to control the game, will try to press, will try to win our duels and it’s going to be a big challenge, yes.”

What he said

Iraola expects both sides to try to control the match, press and win their duels. He called it a big challenge.

What he meant

Analysis: The recent figures suggest both teams will want the ball. Liverpool won 13 corners to Brentford’s three in their last league win, and Brighton had 13 corners to none for Kauno Žalgiris in midweek. Iraola’s comments point to a game decided by individual contests across the pitch.

The need for points

“I want to win games. At home, away, we need points, wherever we can get them.”

What he said

Asked about winning at home, Iraola said he wants to win games wherever they are played and that Liverpool need points from every venue.

What he meant

Analysis: Liverpool have won three, drawn three and lost one of their seven league games. Their 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City on Sunday 11 October is the only league loss in that run. Iraola did not single out home form in his answer and instead spoke about points in general, with Liverpool’s league record showing they have drawn three times already.

Szoboszlai ruled out

“Dom is going to be out this weekend. I don’t think he’s far but he hasn’t trained with the group still.”

What he said

Iraola confirmed that Dominik Szoboszlai will miss the game. He said he does not think the midfielder is far from a return but that he has not yet trained with the group.

What he meant

Analysis: Szoboszlai is listed with thigh problems. He is one of six Liverpool absentees, along with Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Vitezslav Jaros, Hugo Ekitiké and Jeremie Frimpong. Brighton are without Stefanos Tzimas, E. Ferguson, Kaoru Mitoma, Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna.

Iraola’s wording suggests a short absence rather than a long one, but he gave no return date.

Gravenberch at right-back

“I think he can do a job playing as a right-back, like the other day.”

What he said

Iraola said Ryan Gravenberch can do a job at right-back, and pointed to a recent occasion when he played there.

What he meant

Analysis: Conor Bradley (knee surgery) and Jeremie Frimpong (muscle injury) are both on Liverpool’s absentee list. Iraola’s comment shows he has an option in mind if he needs cover in that area. He did not say whether Gravenberch will start there on Sunday.

Confidence check: Measured

Iraola sounded measured. He praised Brighton, said Liverpool must be at their very best and called the game “a big challenge”. He did not suggest Liverpool are favourites or that the result is straightforward.

The league facts explain the tone. Liverpool are fifth with 12 points, a goal difference of +1 (nine scored, eight conceded), and have won three of their last five league games. Brighton are third with 16 points and a goal difference of +18.

There were some positives in his words. Liverpool have scored 16 goals in their last six matches in all competitions, and Iraola said he thinks Szoboszlai is not far from a return. Even so, his comments were focused on the standard required against a side he described as being in confidence.

How to watch

Liverpool vs Brighton kicks off at 2pm UK time on Sunday 25 October, live on Sky Sports Premier League, NOW. Subscribers can stream it on Sky Go, NOW.

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