---
title: "‘Not surprised’ – Andoni Iraola sends stern message to Liverpool’s critics"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/not-surprised-andoni-iraola-sends-stern-message-to-liverpools-critics/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2026-08-27T19:02:23Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T13:21:40Z"
---

# ‘Not surprised’ – Andoni Iraola sends stern message to Liverpool’s critics

**Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League game in charge of Liverpool was an eventful 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.**

Matthias Jaissle’s side played some good football to take the lead twice through Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock, but the Reds struck back through [Cody Gakpo](https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-set-massive-cody-gakpo-price-tag-after-tottenham-interest/) and Dom Szoboszlai to salvage a point.

After the game, a lot was said about their midfield as the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai appeared to venture forward more than protect the backline.

And Iraola feels fans and pundits made a mountain out of a molehill in terms of Liverpool’s midfield frailties.

## Andoni Iraola on Liverpool’s midfield

“Not surprised, I expected when I came here that everything would be magnified,” said the Spaniard in his pre-match press conference.

“I’m starting to understand. But it’s just one game where we did a lot of very good things, even the players in midfield did, but there are definitely things we need to improve. Now it’s a matter of myself and coaching staff and players.

“It’s football. You go to the goals always. If you make exactly the same mistake then it’s normal and I understand we have to talk about the defensive transitions.

“I thought we improved during the game in that aspect, were much, much better getting the numbers.

> Iraola's pre-Nottingham Forest press conference brought to you live from the AXA Training Centre 📌 [https://t.co/Aphsj2XfcQ](https://t.co/Aphsj2XfcQ)
>
> — Liverpool FC (@LFC) [August 27, 2026](https://x.com/LFC/status/2092952110287503422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

“I think the first goal is more to blame than the second in terms of how we positioned when we lost the ball. We will \[soon\] be talking about something else.”

It’s been only one competitive game under the new manager, so it goes without saying that the Reds are still a work in progress.

The Spaniard is trying to implement his ideas and it will take a while before fans and pundits can pass definitive judgements.