Andoni Iraola has warned Liverpool players they are still a long way off from rebuilding their relationship with the Anfield crowd, despite signs of progress after Sunday’s win against Brighton.
Liverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday after recording four successive wins and their first Premier League home victory under Iraola. The head coach said the performance against Brighton had brought the players and supporters closer together, but insisted his side still had work to do.
“I said it since the first day: you have to earn the right to belong and you only get it with good performances, with wins, and this will take time,” Iraola said.
The Spaniard replaced Arne Slot in the summer and was tasked with restoring the connection between the team and supporters. He said the response to Sunday’s display was encouraging after Liverpool showed the commitment he expects from his players.
“I am glad because I felt the other day the supporters helped us a lot and they were enjoying it the same as we were,” he said.
“The players had a very likable performance in terms of they gave everything, we were blocking everything, we were tackling, we were fighting, we were winning duels, we were making the runs in behind and those things you want to see and everyone wants to see. I enjoyed it.”
THAT Szobo strike, from every angle 📐🤌
Last time out in the Carabao Cup ⏮️ https://t.co/1zZRStC9cT
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2026
Iraola was more animated than usual during the Brighton match, but said the improvement was only the beginning of the process.
“I would say [it is just a] start. Still we need more wins, we need more performances so we need more time,” he said.
Liverpool could have Florian Wirtz available against Chelsea after the midfielder was forced off during the Brighton game with an ankle problem. Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz remain doubtful, and Iraola confirmed he would make changes for the cup tie.
The schedule offers Liverpool little time to recover, with Arsenal visiting Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday before further matches against Crystal Palace.
“Against Chelsea, Arsenal, Crystal Palace definitely, we have some games where we have less time to rest than the opposition but you have to adapt,” Iraola said. “Sometimes it is to your benefit, sometimes it goes against you like this week. You have to be ready for this.”
