Eiraola: Isak is a very important player for us, and we need a collective effort to exploit him

Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's head coach, spoke about his team's 2-0 win against Ipswich Town in the third round of the Premier League, praising Alexander Isak's performance. He also highlighted the importance of teamwork in helping him to shine.

Iraola spoke about Bradley Barcola: "I think he had some good minutes, and he has a very good pass. In counter-attacks, we couldn't find him on two occasions, so we will have to learn this type of movement, because he will be behind the defenders and pose a threat all the time."

He added: "He hasn't played any competitive minutes since the World Cup, so we have to be a bit more cautious, but I think he was very good."

Speaking about the first win and the team's performance, Jérémy Jacquet said: "It's definitely a good thing, we needed that given what we've been through, we kept a clean sheet, and we controlled the match quite well for the most part. I think we started the match with great strength, then the second half was somewhat different, and perhaps it wasn't as good as the first half."

Iraola spoke about Alexander Isak, stating: "He is a very important player for us. My demands from him may not be related to goals; I know he is ready and in good shape, and he will definitely score goals."

He added: "My focus with him will be more on other matters, and on how to help him contribute to the team in different situations, but it's good that he has already played two full matches and scored goals, and I am very happy to have him."

Liverpool's manager explained how to help Isak reach dangerous positions: "I think we were much better at pressing during the first half today, so we were pressing from very advanced areas, and we managed to get the ball to him in good situations. If we regain the ball from low areas, it will be difficult to find him, so it's about a collective effort to put our striker in the positions he showed today."

Speaking about Jérémy Jacquet, Iraola said: "I think playing alongside Virgil is an advanced lesson for any centre-back. In this case, Jérémy played his first full match, and in his first two matches, he was unable to complete them and was feeling tired."

He continued: "Today there was a moment in the second half where I felt hesitation, but I think he needs to suffer and go through these periods so he can finish the match well, and over time he can build his physical level."

Regarding his choice for the midfield, Iraola concluded his statements by saying: "I think Mac Allister is a smart player. He understands positioning very well. He played very well today. I was a little worried because he received a yellow card; he was playing well, and I thought maybe about changing him, but I also think that the way we finished the match with Ter Nienoni and Ryan Gravenberch was good. I believe we have good options. It depends on the opponent and the physical condition of the players."