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Liverpool icon tells Reds what they need to win Premier League title

Liverpool will hope that Andoni Iraola will be able to steady the Reds following a disastrous second season under Arne Slot but former hero Phil Thompson believes a title tilt could be on the cards

[Andoni Iraola]

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Andoni Iraola is set to oversee his first campaign with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool hero Phil Thompson believes the Reds could be contenders for the Premier League title under Andoni Iraola - but only if they avoid major injuries. The former Bournemouth boss was handed the reins this summer following the decision to sack Arne Slot.

The Dutchman lifted the Premier League crown in his debut season at Anfield but the Merseysiders struggled to hit those heights last term. Liverpool slipped to fifth in the table, just about squeezing into the Champions League.

Since then, they have lost legendary figures Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, while Ibrahima Konate quit the club for Real Madrid. Liverpool have invested since then, sealing deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, while they are chasing a big-money transfer for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.

Giving his verdict on his former side, Thompson believes that another push for the title could be on the cards should Iraola have his star players available throughout the whole season.

"Iraola will need all of his players fully fit, but if we have a fully fit squad, we have a chance of winning the league this year, without question," Thompson told the BBC. The fans want to see a bit more aggression, but I could see, just from watching (pre-season) from the stands, the demands of the manager.

"Andoni wants the ball to go forward and that's what we want to see. Go forward, quicker, more precise."

And while a lack of injuries might push Liverpool up the table, Thompson also believes that having vocal leaders in the dressing room might also be a useful asset under their new boss.

"When you have a difficult time a difficult couple of games or something you need some strong voices in there, and you just feel like there is only Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker who remain at the club," Thompson added.

"I know people go, 'Oh, Dominik Szoboszlai'. But he has only been there a couple of years. He has to step up and I think he will do.

[Phil Thompson]

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Phil Thompson has shared his thoughts on Liverpool ahead of the new season(Image: Getty Images)

"But there are others around the team who you look to who will have to step up, to lay down some player rules."

Liverpool have just three more pre-season friendlies to navigate against Leeds, Monaco and Como before they kick off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign. The Reds get themselves underway against Newcastle United away from home, before their first match at Anfield against Nottingham Forest.

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