Iraola Defends Midfield Setup After Defensive Errors Cost Liverpool at Newcastle

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola defended his team’s midfield structure following defensive lapses that led to two counter-attack goals during a defeat against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Netherlands international Ryan Gravenberch lost possession on the edge of the opposition penalty area prior to both Newcastle goals, raising questions regarding the team’s balance without an out-and-out defensive midfielder.

Newcastle opened the scoring just over four minutes into the match after Gravenberch was dispossessed. Newcastle launched an 11-second counter-attack initiated by Amar Dedic’s clearance and finished by Anthony Elanga. In the second half, another turnover from Gravenberch allowed Yoane Wissa to run through the centre of the pitch past several Liverpool players before passing to Joe Willock, who scored Newcastle’s second goal. Gravenberch had earlier provided the assist for Cody Gakpo’s equalising goal.

Speaking in his post-match news conference, Iraola rejected claims that his tactical selection or midfield personnel were responsible for the goals. “I think it’s just not personnel,” Iraola said, adding that such breakdowns were “something that we have to correct between a lot of players.”

Iraola reacted to Newcastle’s second goal by bringing on Alexis Mac Allister to replace Florian Wirtz. Match statistics showed starting midfielders Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai completed zero tackles, winning 40 percent and 30 percent of their duels respectively. After entering the match, Mac Allister made two tackles and won four out of five duels. Despite the loss, Liverpool generated an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.73 compared to Newcastle’s 1.43.

Following the match, former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge criticized the squad composition on Sky Sports, stating that the team “has needed a defensive midfielder for three years.” Despite the criticism and the recent departure of Curtis Jones, Liverpool’s transfer priority for the final days of the window reportedly remains focused on wide attacking players. Iraola is understood to be satisfied with his current options in central midfield, including Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell. Liverpool previously enquired about Crystal Palace’s 22-year-old midfielder Adam Wharton, but Palace maintain he is not for sale.

Background

Liverpool have played without a traditional defensive midfielder since Fabinho departed the club in 2023. Under former manager Jurgen Klopp, the club attempted to sign Moises Caicedo in 2023, while an attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi under Arne Slot in 2024 failed when the midfielder chose not to move before later joining Arsenal. During the primary transfer window 12 months ago, Liverpool prioritized forward positions by signing Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike following a Premier League title victory.