Ahead of Liverpool's Premier League Round 6 clash against Manchester City at Anfield, Liverpool manager Iraola held a press conference to answer media questions. In the first part of the press conference, Iraola discussed the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City's appeal, Liverpool's start to the season, the injuries to Isak and Gakpo, and Jérémy Jacquet's performance and physical condition.

Reporter: First, regarding Manchester City's situation. Overall, how will waiting for the appeal result and potential penalties affect the rest of this season? How urgent do you think it is to have a clear conclusion as soon as possible?

Iraola: I don't think this uncertainty benefits anyone, especially those involved. But the process is still ongoing, and we have to be patient like everyone else and see how it unfolds.

Reporter: You mentioned in our previous conversation that your focus is entirely on the game itself. If the team avoids defeat in this match, they will remain unbeaten in six league games. In Liverpool's history, only Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan have achieved an unbeaten run in their first six league games as managers. How satisfied are you with the team's performance so far?

Iraola: That's a very difficult question to answer. On the surface, as you said, the results look great; but looking back, especially at the two draws at the start of the season, our performance wasn't actually satisfactory. And I think, not just this match, but this intense period of fixtures between the two international breaks demands extremely high intensity. We are continuously facing top-four title contenders, crucial Champions League matches, and the League Cup knockout match against Chelsea. The schedule is extremely dense. In the next 9 to 10 days, we will play four high-intensity matches. I believe this phase of testing will fully reveal our true quality. Only after enduring this brutal schedule can we get a clearer picture of the team's current standing.

Reporter: Facing an injury crisis at this critical juncture is certainly very unfavorable. Are there any updates from the training ground? What is the current situation with Isak and Gakpo? If they are unavailable, is Lewis Koumas ready to lead the attack from the start?

Iraola: Yes, both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will miss this game. It's unfortunate for us that neither of them can make it. Both sustained injuries during the international break. As a club manager, during international breaks, you are always anxiously waiting for the games to end, hoping the medical team doesn't call with bad news. But this time we were unlucky, with both Alexander and Cody getting injured. They definitely won't be available for Sunday's match.

Reporter: How long are the two players expected to be out? Also, I'd like to ask again, if Luis Koumas needs to start up front, how ready is he?

Iraola: We have full confidence in Koumas. I don't think using him would be a surprise; I've always rated him highly. He has already proven in crucial matches that he is always ready. At the same time, we have players who can step up in other positions. Now we need to make a decision in the absence of Cody and Alexander. Cody has an ankle injury, similar to one he's had before in his career. The key now is his recovery and how he tolerates the pain, as it was a very severe sprain. He is currently undergoing individual rehabilitation, but he definitely won't be ready for Sunday. Alexander has a minor thigh muscle strain; it's not serious, but it's still a muscle strain, and his return time will also depend on his body's feedback. Neither injury seems to be a long-term serious one, and we will assess them daily, but they definitely won't be back for Sunday's big match.

Reporter: Andoni, this is undoubtedly a major match this weekend. Putting aside all the off-field distractions, this is a top-tier clash that fans, media, and players have been looking forward to. What kind of match do you expect against the current league leaders?

Iraola: I think it will be a thrilling encounter. We are at Anfield, facing Manchester City, who are currently at the top of the table. They have maintained a perfect record so far. I believe our opponents will go all out for the win, and we will fight just as hard for the win. It will be an extremely open, attacking game. We must be fully prepared, we must harness the passionate roar of the Anfield home crowd, and I hope the whole team can display a level of performance that matches this high-quality contest.

Reporter: If you successfully navigate this challenge, extend your unbeaten run, or even secure all three points, how strong a title signal would that send to the outside world? And what kind of benchmark would it be in measuring this team's growth and transformation?

Iraola: I think it's too early to talk about that. Regardless of Sunday's result, after all, only five rounds of the Premier League have been played so far. It's undeniable that we are very eager to face a strong opponent like Manchester City, test and prove our strength, strive for a win, and deliver a perfect performance. For everyone involved in such a major game, it's very significant; it's an incredibly exciting moment.

Reporter: By the way, I'd like to ask for your assessment of Jérémy Jacquet. His performance has been phenomenal, earning him a Player of the Month nomination, and he's also performing well for the French national team. Does his rapid adaptation and top-level performance in the Premier League surprise you? Especially playing alongside experienced defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Ronald Araujo, how ideal is this environment for his development?

Iraola: Without a doubt, his performance has been exceptional. First, he is a tremendously talented and excellent player. People outside might know Jacquet and have seen his highlights, but only by working with him every day in training do you truly appreciate how extraordinary he is. On a personal level, I'm genuinely happy for him because I know how difficult it is to make your debut for a powerhouse national team like France, but he not only got the opportunity but also performed exceptionally well. He has every right to be proud of himself, but he still has a long way to go. However, as far as the start of the season goes, his performance has indeed been flawless.

Reporter: What is his current physical condition?

Iraola: He is healthy and ready to play. Not playing in the last national team match was mainly for protection; there are no issues with his physical condition. Although we still have a pre-match training session tomorrow, he has fully recovered.

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