Eiraola: This is the situation with Gakpo and Barcola, and Fulham do not deserve their three defeats

Liverpool's manager Andoni Iraola appeared at a press conference to discuss tomorrow's clash against Fulham in the 4th round of the Premier League at Anfield.

Andoni Iraola began by revealing the status of Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo, stating: "We still need to go through training this afternoon, Barcola was only suffering from a muscle cramp. We need to assess his condition today, but there is no injury. I believe he will be available if things go normally. As for Cody, we will see. We will try today and see if he is ready for tomorrow, or if we need to wait until the next match."

Regarding the unbeaten start, Iraola said: "The team has goals, in every match we have been dangerous and created chances, we scored two goals in the last two matches and could have scored more. Now it’s about increasing efficiency, it’s about when we score goals, because I don’t think we start matches very well. If you compare that to the Ipswich match, games feel more comfortable when you start like that, I would like to score the first goal to make things easier, but we need to have the right mentality, the start of matches is the aspect where I think we can be a little better."

The coach discussed the return date of Hugo Ekitiké after injury, stating: "There is a chance he could help us in the last two group stage matches in the UEFA Champions League, but it is too early to say that."

Regarding Fulham, Iraola said: "They have played three matches in the Premier League, so it is very early to draw conclusions about any team. Fulham is a great example of that. I think they have played well in their three matches (they lost all three), if you look at the statistics, you would think they should have at least four or five points. They have been dominating matches with possession and have been comfortable in dealing with the ball."

Iraola praised Alexis Mac Allister for his performance against Atlético Madrid, especially given the ongoing debate about his lack of a new contract so far, saying: "I consider him a fantastic player. He understands the game very well and has the experience that is very good for our young team. I am very happy to have him in our squad. I hope he continues at this level, and if he can improve it even more, that would be better."

Andoni Iraola also spoke about Alexander Isak's development, saying: "I think he is performing well. I am happy with the improvement he is showing from match to match; physically, he is in very good shape. I think he is moving with confidence, and we know he is very good technically. He understands better what we need from the number 9 striker position."

He concluded his remarks about the young Lewis Koumas, who made his UEFA Champions League debut against Atlético Madrid, saying: "In the first week I arrived here, I told the club that I wanted him to stay. I had very few doubts because he can cover the winger positions, the striker, the attacking midfielder, and the other winger. He trains very well, has a great attitude, and is a fantastic player. He scores goals, needs to add more like every young player, but he already has a good amount of experience after playing in the Championship at a high level. I see him ready to help us, and I love what he brings to us. I am very happy to have him."