Tomorrow evening at 23:30 Beijing time (CET) Liverpool will face Manchester City in the 6th round of the Premier League. Ahead of the match, Iraola gave an exclusive interview to Sky Sports. In the second part of the interview (due to its length, we divided it into three parts) he discussed injuries to Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, as well as his views on Ronald Araújo.

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【Iraola: Last season everyone talked only about the title race, forgetting that our draw with Manchester City sent Newcastle into Europe】

You'll have to make a choice in attack. Who will play centre-forward? Guimaraes has been excellent this season, but he's very young. Is it appropriate to throw him in immediately in such a difficult match against Manchester City? Has he already reached that level? Or will you use players like Isak in a central role?

We have several options. Alexander Isak is unavailable, Ekitike has already been injured, and F. Chiesa, although he has returned to training, is still recovering from injury. Our attacking personnel is quite limited. That's the reality, but we have experienced players in the squad who can play centre-forward, and Guimaraes is one option.

We're considering various options, and it's not just for one game. We have four matches to play in the next 10 days, all of them intense and demanding. This situation always arises during the season, and we must adapt.

Are you frustrated by the injuries to Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak during the international break, especially given that you have consistently emphasized the importance of Alexander Isak's fitness, and both have made significant contributions this season with goals and assists?

Yes, as a club manager, it's difficult to maintain full control over international matches during the break. Every time international matches end, you wait for news. No news, no call from the club doctor — that's a good sign. This time we were unlucky; both Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak suffered injuries on international duty, which is really frustrating.

Before this, we only had long-term absentees, and the squad was relatively healthy. Then we faced this unexpected situation, which we couldn't control, losing two key players. But what's done is done; we can only focus on preparing for Sunday's match and the demanding schedule ahead.

Cody Gakpo could almost be called your best player in the squad this season. Remembering that he had an opportunity to join Manchester City this summer, his transformation is remarkable.

(Sighs) Yes, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak have been involved in the vast majority of our goals; the statistics speak for themselves. There's no doubt that both are crucial to our attacking system. However, we have other players in the squad whom I trust greatly, and they are also in good form. Let's see if they can play on Sunday or return soon. If not, other players are ready to step in.

With Joelinton's return from injury, the choice of right-back becomes easier. Ronald Araújo will continue in that position, right? He has significantly stabilized the defence.

Yes, Ronald Araújo has travelled extensively, playing in Japan, South Korea, and India, but he's well rested and in good form. He didn't play in the last match and got some rest. Mac Allister, who played the last game for his country, is also in good form.

Having sufficient players on defensive positions gives me more tactical options, and we can try different approaches. We can make adjustments only when we have available players. When we have enough personnel, we have to make choices; sometimes a lack of players simplifies things, but that's not a situation we want.

Was Ronald Araújo your most successful signing this summer? He has brought balance to the defence.

He's played in a position that isn't natural for him in many matches. I've always considered him primarily a centre-back, but he's performed very well, especially defensively, significantly improving the stability of our back line. Our defensive record in recent matches has been good, and we've kept clean sheets; he's made a major contribution.

Of course, his playing style differs from more attacking full-backs like Frimpong or Bradley, but he provides the team with more tactical options. He has an excellent attitude; centre-back, right-back — he plays wherever the team needs him, and I greatly appreciate players like that.

Переведено ИИ.

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