New boss Iraola encouraged despite Liverpool's winless start

LIVERPOOL, Aug 29 : Andoni Iraola is still waiting for his first Premier League victory as Liverpool boss, but he saw enough in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest to reinforce his belief that the foundations of his new-look side are beginning to take shape.

The former Bournemouth manager was hired this summer to revive a team bruised by last season's failed title defence, when Liverpool crashed from champions in 2025 to fifth place despite spending a Premier League record £446 million on new players. 

His remit is to restore Liverpool to the summit of English football and reintroduce the intensity that once made Anfield one of Europe's most daunting venues.

Iraola's answer is not caution. The Spaniard wants his side to play on the front foot, attack at pace and press relentlessly, a style that should resonate with supporters who spent years watching Juergen Klopp's "heavy-metal football" before the more measured approach of Arne Slot's two-year reign.

The transition, however, remains a work in progress. Forest's opening goal from Dan Ndoye stemmed from a direct counterattack, while long periods of a sluggish first half left Iraola frustrated.

"I think we improved a lot in the second half. We were much more intense, much quicker on the ball, with more sense of urgency," he said. "But it's not enough to win the game, and I think we have to blame the first half that we had."

The improvement after the break was unmistakable. Alexander Isak levelled shortly after the hour mark, before newcomer Victor Munoz struck the late equaliser.

Six days earlier, the Spaniard had won the crucial late penalty that secured a 2–2 draw with Newcastle in their opener.

"I think Victor has been very good both games," Iraola said. "Everything