Andoni Iraola was business-like on his return to Bournemouth, saying pre-match the time for talk would be after the game.
He cut a frustrated figure for much of the encounter as Liverpool struggled to get a hold on the game, but they improved after the break and deserved the win, according to their boss.
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With nine points from a possible 15 in the Premier League and wins at Anfield in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, Iraola has had a largely positive start to life at Liverpool.
The 44-year-old is the first manager to remain unbeaten in his first five league games in charge of the Reds – winning two and drawing three – since Joe Fagan in September 1983.
“Overall, we have definitely improved since the first games,” he said. “Some of the things we still need to improve. I’m happy that it is the third league clean sheet in the row.
“It was a difficult game. You never play comfortable here – Bournemouth do not allow you to play comfortably, they put you under pressure and you have to adapt to win these kind of games.”
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The need to adapt and find ways to win games was also stressed after last week’s goalless draw against Fulham – but Iraola’s side are learning.
“The schedule we have now is very difficult,” he added.
“I think we play against the top four teams, then in between there is Champions League and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. It’s every two or three days so we have to be ready because this month after the break is very demanding for us.”
After the international break, Iraola will also need more from his attackers. Cody Gakpo was impressive again but Florian Wirtz struggled and Bradley Barcola is still awaiting his first goal or assist for Liverpool.
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“It was a slow start but after the first phase Florian helped us to improve and I am much happier with his performance in the second half,” said Iraola of the Germany international.
On matchwinner Alexander Isak, he added: “A striker’s job is like this. He had a couple of crosses that he did not hit properly or control, but in the end he has to help us to be closer to the box, to play in the opposition’s half and have more meaningful possession.
“If the team is playing there, he will receive rewards in terms of goal.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
