---
title: "‘Not fair’ – Andoni Iraola fires Liverpool warning ahead of Brighton"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/not-fair-andoni-iraola-fires-liverpool-warning-ahead-of-brighton/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2026-10-24T05:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-24T05:00:00Z"
---

# ‘Not fair’ – Andoni Iraola fires Liverpool warning ahead of Brighton

**Rio Ngumoha has been one of Liverpool’s bright sparks this season as he continues to develop under Andoni Iraola.**

The young winger has already been capped by England and has delivered a string of eye-catching displays at Anfield, cementing his status as one of the most exciting forwards in world football.

Ngumoha notched up two assists on his most recent outing as Liverpool came from behind to beat Villarreal 4-3 in the UEFA Champions League.

And now, ahead of the Reds’ Premier League clash vs Brighton tomorrow, Andoni Iraola has urged the Liverpool faithful to manage their expectations on the England international.

## Andoni Iraola fires Rio Ngumoha warning for Liverpool

“I definitely feel lucky to have him, but just because he has played well, we cannot put expectations too high,” said Iraola via the [Liverpool Echo](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andoni-iraola-warns-against-rio-34809663). “It’s not fair on him.

“He will still make mistakes and have his ups and downs. That’s a natural process every player goes through, and we have to help him through it.

“I haven’t felt that he’s very affected, positively or negatively, by what people say about him. I think he’s very focused on the football side, on improving his performances and trying to give us what we need from him.

> Andoni Iraola on Rio Ngumoha’s attitude:\
> \
> “For me, Rio is very coachable. He pays attention, he listens to every piece of information we give him.\
> \
> “We haven’t done anything super special with him. It’s about giving him confidence, continuing the process, and he is the one adding… [pic.twitter.com/nZWSGGG5vN](https://t.co/nZWSGGG5vN)
>
> — AS (@Anfield\_Sector) [October 23, 2026](https://x.com/Anfield_Sector/status/2113746060291997856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

“It’s not easy when you’re 18 and everyone is talking about you, but he knows, I think, that what matters is what happens today in training and the things he can add to his game. I think he’s very focused on that.

“For me, Rio is very coachable. He pays attention, he listens to every piece of information we give him.

“We haven’t done anything super special with him. It’s about giving him confidence, continuing the process, and he is the one adding a lot to his game.”

Ngumoha seems to be handling the spotlight well and is playing under a coach who has a proven track record of developing young players.

If he carries on in the same vein, he could become one of Liverpool’s best signings in recent years.