Andoni Iraola believes Liverpool’s attacking players should focus on giving maximum effort rather than worrying about completing the full 90 minutes, with the head coach preparing for an emotional first Premier League appearance at Anfield.

The Spaniard is hoping Liverpool can strengthen their attacking options before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Bradley Barcola is expected to arrive from Paris Saint-Germain, while the club are also looking to add another winger. So far, Victor Muñoz has been the only new addition to Iraola’s forward line.

As his players adjust to a new approach, Iraola has made it clear that he will demand intensity from his attackers. For him, there is little value in keeping a forward on the pitch simply for the sake of completing a match if that player has already given everything.

“I always explain to wingers and forwards that they do not have to last the entire match,” Iraola said. “If they come off completely exhausted, that is actually a positive sign because it means they have given us everything they had. Then another player can take over.

“We have Jérémy in a similar situation at the moment. He did not have a full pre-season, although he is getting close to being ready. Defenders generally find it easier to remain effective for 90 minutes. With attacking players, that is not essential. When they have reached their limit, we can replace them. I believe that is the right approach, and everyone needs to understand it.”

Muñoz Ready for a Bigger Role

Muñoz is now considered capable of starting matches after his delayed start to pre-season. The 23-year-old had been recovering from Spain’s successful World Cup campaign and only recently returned to competitive action.

He made an encouraging impression after coming off the bench during last weekend’s meeting with Newcastle. Liverpool paid £34.5m to sign the versatile attacker from Osasuna, with Iraola playing an important role in recommending the player to the club.

Although Iraola had never personally coached against Muñoz, he had already received positive reports about the forward before Liverpool began assessing him.

“I had not coached against Victor because he only made his La Liga debut after I had moved to the Premier League,” Iraola explained. “However, I had heard very good things about him. The club brought his name forward and we began studying his performances.

“We all liked the qualities he could bring to the team. He is still adapting because he does not speak the language yet, and he needs more time to build connections with his teammates. But I really like his mentality. He works extremely hard.

“He can operate on either flank, on the right or the left, and he made an impact when he came on the other day. The substitutes all performed very well.”

Family to Watch Iraola’s Anfield Debut

Saturday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest will carry a personal significance for Iraola, who will experience his first competitive home fixture at Anfield.

His wife and their two young children are expected to attend, while the club’s new vice-chair, Amit Bhatia, will also be present for the occasion.

Iraola admitted that his family rarely watches him manage from the touchline, but his children are becoming increasingly interested in football and have started asking to attend matches.

“My wife does not usually come to my games,” he said. “But that is beginning to change because my children want to go. They are starting to understand football a little more, so sometimes they will come along.

“They will not be there every time, but the first home game works perfectly for them because of the timing.”

For Iraola, there is likely to be an emotional element to the occasion. However, the 42-year-old does not want the personal significance of the day to distract him from the job at hand.

“I expect the emotional side of it will probably be something I feel more than anyone else,” he said. “I know this is my first game here, but I do not want to spend too much time thinking about that while the match is going on.

“Maybe once it is over, particularly if we get the result we want, I will have more time to reflect on what it means to me.”