Liverpool head coach, Andoni Iraola, has admitted, Brighton are full of “confidence” as his side gears up for a top flight match against them on Sunday afternoon in Liverpool.
At his pre-match presser, the Spaniard described the Seagulls as a team performing “incredibly well” under manager Fabian Hürzeler.
Iraola said, if the Reds must end the clash as winners, then, they must be at “our very best”. He further admitted, Brighton are “one of the best teams” in the League, and, with “good quality”.
Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion will slug it out in the Premier League match on Sunday 25 October, 2026 at Anfield at 15:00 (WAT).
On his mission at Anfield, Iraola said, his target is to “win games” as he continues the search for his first Premier League home win since taking managerial duties at Liverpool.
Iraola, who managed AFC Bournemouth from 2023 to 2026, in his words on Liverpool official website, described Argentine midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister as an “experienced” player; and sees, Dutchman, Ryan Gravenberch as a “versatile” player. He said, the Netherlands national team player can be fielded as “number 8, right-back” or even “number 10”.
At his pre-Brighton press conference, Iraola said:
On Brighton…
“I think they are doing incredibly well. I think it’s a team that is very well coached, already I think it’s the third season of Fabian [Hurzeler]. Without the ball they are, for me, one of the best teams and obviously with the ball also they have good quality and we have to be at our very best to beat Brighton because now they are with confidence.
“But I also see my team in a good place.”
On his expectations from the game against the Seagulls…
“Yes. Probably not [too] different as the one we played against Villarreal: a team that also wants to press, wants to keep the ball, very good technically, they control all of the phases.
“But I think both teams will try to control the game, will try to press, will try to win our duels and it’s going to be a big challenge, yes.”
On still searching for his first Premier League home win as Liverpool manager…
“I want to win games. At home, away, we need points, wherever we can get them. It’s true that in the league the three [home] games we haven’t won, but also our three games that for me have been high-level games – Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, Spurs – we’ve won them and we’ve had good performances at home also.”
On the form of Alexis Mac Allister this season…
“I think he’s another of the kind of leaders we have. I think that he has a lot of experience still not being as old, but I think he has been involved in top-level games and has won big titles.
“He’s been really good.”
On the best position for Ryan Gravenberch…
“I think if you ask me what is the position that I feel like suits better to him, I think he’s like a number eight for me. Obviously, because we’ve seen it as a number six. I think he can do a job playing as a right-back, but as a number 10 also I think he can do a job.
“For me, he’s very valuable. This versatility in the players is very valuable.”
Liverpool will be heading into the game placed on the 5th spot of standings with twelve (12) points, while, Brighton are 3rd with sixteen (16) points. Both will be playing their 8th League game on Sunday.
