Patiently waiting! Iraola breaks his silence on the City verdict
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has spoken publicly about the Manchester City case for the first time, calling for patience while the process runs its course. The Spaniard made his comments at a pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with the champions at Anfield.
Details: The fixture is Liverpool vs Manchester City in the Premier League, Matchday 6, at Anfield on Sunday. City have made a perfect start with five wins from five and top the table, while Liverpool are unbeaten with two wins and three draws but sit sixth, already six points behind the leaders. Iraola's side will be without Alexander Isak (thigh) and Cody Gakpo (ankle), with Hugo Ekitike sidelined until December and young Lewis Koumas expected to lead the line.
Manchester City were recently found guilty of more than 100 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, a verdict that has shaken English football. The club have lodged an appeal and continue to deny any wrongdoing, with the final outcome not expected for several months. Asked about the situation, Iraola made it clear that he simply wants clarity for everyone involved, as uncertainty serves nobody. The timing could hardly be more dramatic, as Sunday's match at Anfield will be City's first in the Premier League since the verdict was announced. Iraola's men will be without Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo through injury, with young Lewis Koumas expected to lead the line against Pep Guardiola's in-form leaders.
It's worth noting that Iraola was not the only manager asked about the City case, with both Enzo Maresca and Michael Carrick also facing questions on the subject during their own press conferences on Friday.
Reminder: €140m and counting zeroes! Barcola yet to score or assist for Liverpool.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
