Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has urged his side to remain focused on improving rather than getting carried away by expectations of a Premier League title challenge ahead of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal at Anfield.
Liverpool head into the fixture on a five-match winning run in all competitions, raising hopes among supporters that the club could mount a serious challenge for the title in Iraola’s first season in charge.
A victory over Arsenal would move Liverpool to within three points of the Gunners, who are level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table.
However, the Spanish manager believes it is too early to conclude the standings, insisting that his side must continue to develop before assessing their position in the title race.
“It is still October. We have to take one game at a time, and I always say the reference is more or less when we’ve played against each other once, so halfway through the season. That’s when you can start to look at the standings,” Iraola said on Friday.
“Right now, we are in a position where we need to improve and keep getting better.”
Asked whether he welcomed the growing optimism among Liverpool supporters, Iraola said he was pleased that fans had reasons to believe in the team.
“For fans, it is good if they have expectations or they think we can win,” he said.
Liverpool’s recent run has offered encouragement as the squad continues to adapt to Iraola’s methods following his arrival from Bournemouth to replace Arne Slot.
The manager, however, was keen to distinguish between the team’s overall winning streak and its Premier League form, noting that only two of the five victories had come in the league.
“It is five wins, but just two are in the league, so if we are talking about the league, we still need more wins to recover points,” he said.
“But definitely we know what we want in terms of what we have to improve: a lot of things. But if you can do this process while you are getting results, it is always nice.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, moved level with Manchester City at the top of the table after a 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend. They suffered a setback on Tuesday, however, losing to fourth-tier Fleetwood Town on penalties in the League Cup.
Despite that defeat, Iraola expects a difficult test against Mikel Arteta’s side, praising their quality and tactical organisation.
“We know Arsenal and how good they are. They have very good players, working a lot in synchronicity, and we have to be ready for that challenge,” he said.
“It’s going to be a demanding game, but we also trust our players and trust ourselves, and in the good atmosphere we will for sure have on Sunday. I hope we will be at a level to win this game.”
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