Premier League: Liverpool manager Iraola relieved as Isak double gives Reds first win

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola admitted he felt “relieved” after Alexander Isak’s nine-minute double secured a 2-0 victory at Ipswich and finally got his reign off the mark.

Isak struck twice in the opening nine minutes at Portman Road on Friday night, easing the pressure on Iraola after Liverpool had failed to win either of their opening two Premier League games, drawing 2-2 with both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

“Definitely relief,” Iraola said. “That couldn’t happen here, definitely and obviously we needed it.

“We needed the win and I think two points don’t reflect our first two games, but it was the points we had. So, definitely we couldn’t lose any more and I am happy.”

Isak ‘in good shape’

Isak’s goals were his second and third of the league campaign and offered a reminder of why Liverpool paid a reported £125million to prise the Sweden international away from Newcastle.

The 26-year-old endured an injury-hit first season at Anfield, scoring just four times in 22 appearances, but he needed only nine minutes to make a decisive impact against Ipswich.

Iraola has no doubts Isak can deliver consistently if he can remain fit.

“Yes, with Alex, if he is fit, if he is available, if he is in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers,” the Liverpool boss said.

“My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably will be about other things. 

“I will demand other things so we can play well, because if we play well we are in good positions and the goals will come.

“He has to contribute towards the collective and knowing when everyone helps, after the goals and assists will come.”

Gakpo helping hands

Isak’s two goals were both created by Cody Gakpo, whose importance to Liverpool was underlined after the club resisted interest from Tottenham and Manchester City before the transfer deadline.

Gakpo produced a superb throughball for the opener before an even better outside-of-the-foot pass set Isak up for his second.

“I had no doubt with Cody,” Iraola said. “He has been very good all the pre-season, has started very well the season, producing numbers.

“After the two assists, he finished as a number nine to help us close the game and I think it’s good to have Cody because he can play in the three positions up top.

“I think Cody knows how much we value him, I think there is no doubt. I rate him very highly.”

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Not rushing Barcola

Bradley Barcola, meanwhile, made his Liverpool debut from the bench after completing his £123million move from Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week.

The France forward had not played since appearing in the World Cup third-place play-off against England and was introduced after 64 minutes.

Iraola believes Barcola will need time to regain full match fitness but does not anticipate requiring a lengthy or unusual programme to bring him up to speed.

“Bradley hadn’t played a single minute since the World Cup so we needed to be careful,” he said.

“He is training well, he is in a good place and I think he has helped us.

“When he carries the ball, you can feel this threat and (be) happy because it is 30 minutes that are going to be good for his fitness and for his build-up.

“We will continue and we play a lot of games so he will have the chance to play more.

“I don’t think he will need something like a special build-up but we have to be aware that he hasn’t played in a while.”

O’Neil proud of Ipswich response

Ipswich boss Gary O’Neil was proud of his side’s response after falling two goals behind so quickly, despite goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen being partly at fault for both goals.

“I thought we were excellent. I was really proud of the group,” O’Neil said.

“Two mistakes obviously in the first nine minutes, which made it very difficult, but to respond the way they did, to probably be the better side and edge it from that moment on, more shots, an unbelievable response.

“So very pleased. Disappointed because we’re here for points and we don’t take any, but pleased of the progress we made and that we were able to go toe-to-toe with such a talented side for so long.

“As we know, the level is ruthless and if you step out of line a little bit, a world-class player ducks behind you and scores.”

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