According to the Liverpool Echo, Andoni Iraola, who replaced the sacked Arne Slot last month, will make his managerial debut for Liverpool tonight at Geodis Park in Nashville against Sunderland.
Iraola has been warned that he must make Liverpool play "heavy metal football," otherwise fan discontent will grow. Slot was sacked last month less than a year after leading the team to the Premier League title, and Iraola subsequently took over as the new Reds manager.
There was speculation that the Dutchman might still have a chance to salvage the situation, but growing concerns about his tactical style, especially fan disappointment with this playing approach, ultimately led to his dismissal. Iraola is known for fast-paced football at Bournemouth, and former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes that only such a style of play can continue to earn fan support.
Heskey stated via LiveFootballTickets: "The style of play is what everyone is talking about, isn't it?"
"I think we were spoiled during the Klopp era, but it's also important to remember that it took Klopp a few years for the players to adapt to what he truly wanted, and he gradually brought in the players he needed."
"However, I believe one of the main reasons for fan dissatisfaction is the slow pace of the game. Previously, it was heavy metal football, aggressive, pressing opponents hard, completely overwhelming them, and we no longer have that feeling."
"As a manager, you always hope for a good start. It offers some reassurance and lets you know you're on the right track, and everything will be fine."
The Reds are also trying to strengthen their attack, looking for a replacement for Mohamed Salah. Salah said goodbye to his trophy-laden career at Anfield at the end of last season.
Liverpool has identified RB Leipzig's Jan Diomande as the top target to replace Salah this summer, with the club having already signed John Victor.
The Reds have informed the Bundesliga club that they are willing to pay approximately £86 million for Diomande. This valuation corresponds to a total package value of around €100 million, or approximately £85 million.
Liverpool has also inquired about Monaco's Akliouche, and PSG's Barcola is also on the club's shortlist. However, Heskey believes Kvaratskhelia would be the perfect replacement for the Egyptian international.
Heskey said: "The difficulty in saying who can replace Salah is that I don't think anyone truly can. The only person I would say, perhaps Liverpool could pursue, is Kvaratskhelia from Paris Saint-Germain, but he won't be available."
"I think with that level of talent and legend, you just have to put it aside and look for different answers. You'll never find another person who can produce Salah's numbers again, never."
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