On Oct. 11, Liverpool will host Manchester City in a Premier League Matchday 6 fixture. Ahead of the match, Iraola gave an exclusive interview to Sky Sports. In the third part of the interview (due to its length, we divided it into three sections), he discussed the team's progress and his expectations for the game.

If I'm wrong, please correct me – the team is now moving the ball forward faster and defending better around the box. Is this a sign of the team's progress? Do you see it that way too?

Yes, we have been working in that direction, but there is still room for improvement. Compared to the beginning of the season, we have had better control of games recently, and our defense has improved, but at the expense of attack.

We want to maintain these positive changes while not losing the team's original attacking threat. We want to continue growing, keep our strengths, and address our weaknesses. This upcoming series of high-intensity matches and these high-level contests will also help the team continue to grow.

Has the team's progress been faster or slower than you expected?

That depends on Sunday's result. If we win, everyone will say everything is going well; if we lose, everyone will say the team hasn't progressed. So we can only take it one step at a time. Some aspects are indeed improving, but there is still room for growth. To reach the standard expected by our fans, we still need to improve. It's not that we are doing badly now; it's just that there's still room for improvement.

How far do you think you are from building a fully mature Liverpool – one that truly belongs to Iraola?

Honestly, we can't quantify it ourselves. We know our goals, and we hope this team-building process happens as quickly as possible, but growth takes time. Some players have found their form and are performing consistently. But for other players, we are still looking for their best positions, the best personnel combinations, and ways to unlock their full potential. We are in that process.

If you beat Manchester City, will that send a signal that Liverpool has officially joined the title race?

It's too early. We've only played 5 rounds in the Premier League. This is indeed a very important match, but the season is still very young. Regardless of the result, one game cannot change the overall trajectory of a 38-game season. Of course, we want to win and improve our position in the table. The two draws at the beginning of the season cost us some points compared to the top teams, but ultimately, it's just one game.

But in terms of performance and display on the field, this game can test the team's true level, right?

For me, on-field performance is the most important thing, and the result is equally important; winning is the core goal. But early in the season, it's more important to show that we are a strong team with solid defense and the confidence to face any opponent. We have a continuous run of matches across multiple competitions coming up – the Premier League, the Champions League, many tough games. We need to prove our strength in high-level contests.

Good performances and ideal results can boost team confidence and build momentum for the entire season, is that right?

Absolutely. Victory always has a positive effect. Even if the team is still in the integration phase, winning greatly boosts confidence and solidifies the team's tactical philosophy. We will give our all, and we hope that after this run of fixtures, the team will be in a good position.

Some say Manchester City will be looking for revenge, recalling the draw when you coached AFC Bournemouth last season, which indirectly helped Arsenal win the league title.

What everyone tends to overlook is that the draw actually helped us qualify for European competitions and even allowed us to fight for a Champions League spot until the final day. Everyone only discussed Manchester City and Arsenal's title race, but for us at AFC Bournemouth, that draw was a huge achievement – finally getting the team into European competition.

The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City has intensified over the years. How excited are you to be personally involved in such a clash?

Very excited. I've always said that I feel incredibly privileged to be in this position and to prove myself on the biggest stage. We've had some exciting encounters before, and now we're facing the league leaders Manchester City at Anfield. This clash is something to look forward to.

In recent years, the two teams have had many epic title battles. Is it also your future goal to lead Liverpool to participate in such championship contention?

Our goal is to reach the highest level and compete for championships. Our focus is on building the team so that when we reach the crucial stages of the season, we have the strength to contend for major honors.

Good luck.

Okay, thank you.

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