Iraola tells Liverpool forwards to empty the tank: 'They don't need 90 minutes'

Andoni Iraola steps onto the Anfield touchline for the first time in a competitive match on Saturday as Liverpool host Nottingham Forest. The Basque coach marked the occasion by laying out a clear offensive principle: his forwards are not required to last 90 minutes.

• Iraola values full-throttle effort from his attackers over completed minutes and encourages early substitutions.
• Liverpool hope to sign Bradley Barcola from PSG and add another winger before Tuesday's deadline.
• Victor Muñoz, recruited from Osasuna for £34.5m, is ready to start games after impressing off the bench.
• Iraola's wife, two children and vice-chair Amit Bhatia will be at Anfield for his emotional home debut.

Iraola's attacking philosophy for his new Liverpool era

In his pre-match press conference, Iraola explained the message he delivers to his offensive players. For him, total commitment matters more than staying on the pitch until the final whistle.

For me, wingers, forwards, I always tell them that they don't need to give us 90 minutes. I tell them it is good news when they are exhausted because then we have taken everything from you and someone else will come in.

The Liverpool boss pointed out that defenders can typically complete a full match with less difficulty, but attacking players must accept a different role: give everything while fresh, then hand the shirt to a team-mate with energy in the legs.

Which signings Liverpool are pursuing before the deadline

With the transfer window closing on Tuesday, Liverpool still have work to do in the final third. Bradley Barcola, the Paris Saint-Germain winger, is the main target. Iraola also wants another wide player in addition to the French international, given that Victor Muñoz remains the only attacking arrival so far.

Muñoz joined from Osasuna for £34.5m with Iraola's strong backing. The 23-year-old had a delayed start to pre-season after Spain's World Cup triumph, but he made an impact from the bench at Newcastle last weekend.

Victor Muñoz ready to start at Anfield

Liverpool's coaching staff believe Muñoz is already fit enough to feature from the start. His second-half cameo at Newcastle improved the team and confirmed the scouting report that convinced Iraola to push for the signing.

I had never coached against Victor because he made his debut in La Liga when I was already here in the Premier League, but I had very good references. The club put his name to me and we started analysing his game. We all liked what he gives us.

Iraola also praised Muñoz's attitude during his adaptation to English football. The player is still learning the language and building relationships with team-mates, but his work rate and ability to play on either flank work in his favour. The manager added that all the substitutes performed well at Newcastle, not only Muñoz.

The emotional side of an Anfield debut

Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest carries extra meaning for Iraola. His wife and two young children will be in the stands, a rare occurrence since she does not normally attend matches. The family will make an exception this time because the schedule is convenient and the kids are starting to understand football.

Amit Bhatia, the club's new vice-chair, will also be at Anfield for what Iraola admits will be a moving occasion. The Basque coach does not want to dwell on the personal significance before kick-off. His focus remains on the game plan, with any reflection saved for after the match, especially if the result goes Liverpool's way.

Liverpool will target a first home win of the Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest as they continue building a project based on high pressing, young talent and a clear attacking identity under their new head coach.

Frequently asked questions about Iraola's Anfield debut