Iraola reveals Liverpool star he is ready to unleash against Tottenham
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is expected to make several changes when the Reds face Tottenham on Tuesday night, with Giorgi Mamardashvili set to make his first appearance of the season.
Liverpool’s start under Iraola has been steady but unspectacular. Their disappointing 0-0 draw against Fulham came shortly after an impressive Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.
Iraola admitted he was particularly frustrated by the performance, especially Liverpool’s struggles in attack.
He explained that the team failed to recover possession high enough up the pitch, forcing them to attack against a well-organised Fulham defence with 11 players behind the ball.
According to the Liverpool boss, winning the ball higher up the pitch is an important part of his tactical approach because it allows his players to exploit space and attack opponents during quick transitions.
That could mean Liverpool adopt a much more aggressive pressing approach against Tottenham, looking to play on the front foot from the opening whistle.
Liverpool team news
Iraola confirmed that Joe Gomez is fit, back in full training and available to feature against Tottenham.
There was less positive news regarding Conor Bradley, who remains some distance away from returning to team training. The full-back has been training individually and has recently started working with the ball.
Giovanni Leoni is further ahead in his recovery and is expected to return to first-team training sooner than Bradley, although he will still need more time before returning to competitive action.
One confirmed change will come in goal, with Iraola revealing that Giorgi Mamardashvili will start.
The Liverpool manager spoke highly of the Georgian goalkeeper, whom he knows from his time in Spain and previously tried to sign while managing Bournemouth.
Mamardashvili, who stands at 6ft 6in, has yet to make an appearance for Liverpool this season. His last outing for the club came in April during the 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.
The 25-year-old earned his move to Liverpool following an outstanding Euro 2024 campaign with Georgia, where he made 21 saves during the group stage — the joint-highest total by a goalkeeper in the tournament’s history.
Although Mamardashvili struggled to impress during some of his opportunities last season, the Tottenham clash gives him another chance to demonstrate why Iraola rates him so highly.
With Alisson’s contract running until 2027 and highly-rated youngster Lucca Brughmans also expected to arrive from Genk, Mamardashvili could have limited opportunities to convince Liverpool that he can eventually succeed the Brazilian.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Tottenham
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili
RB: Jeremie Frimpong
CB: Endo
CB: Joe Gomez
LB: Milos Kerkez
CM: Trey Nyoni
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
RW: Rio Ngumoha
AM: Florian Wirtz
LW: Cody Gakpo
ST: Kieffer Moore/Koumas
