Iraola: Winning and keeping a clean sheet feels great, I think the team defended very well today

In the third round of the Premier League, Liverpool defeated Ipswich Town 2-0 away from home. After the match, Liverpool manager Iraola was interviewed by beIN Sports.

Andoni, congratulations on achieving your first victory as Liverpool manager. How does it feel? How do you view the team's performance tonight?

It feels great. Obviously, winning while also keeping a clean sheet is a very good feeling. I think especially today, our performance in the first half was excellent. In the second half, we controlled the game very well as well. We may not have created too many chances and we did not score a third goal, but overall, it was a good performance.

Of course, Isak scored two goals and he will be the headline figure after the match. But Cody (Gakpo) created both of those goals, and he also created an opportunity for Isak in the previous match. Are we now seeing them gradually develop an understanding between them?

Yes, I think Cody, Alex (Isak), and all the players who can play in the attacking positions have the ability to contribute good numbers. I am very satisfied because our start was very, very strong. We were very aggressive from the beginning of the match. I remember we won a corner in the first minute. In the first 10 to 15 minutes, we created many very good attacking opportunities, put a lot of pressure on the opponent, and I think we deserved these goals. Overall, I think we played a very complete first half.

You mentioned the clean sheet. How important is achieving your first clean sheet since taking charge?

I think it is always a pleasing thing because in the previous few matches we had conceded two goals. Sometimes the goals we conceded were simply too easy, but today I think we controlled the game very well. Obviously, they increased their attacking pressure in the final stages of the second half, but I do not remember them creating any clear chances. So overall, I think the team defended very well today.

Finally, how would you assess Bradley (Barcola)'s performance? This was his first match after joining the team, and everyone was watching his performance.

He looked very threatening. Every time he got the ball, he was able to create danger. On several occasions, he had chances to face the goalkeeper, but we were unable to pass the ball to him. However, I really liked his performance. I think he maintained a very high level during his nearly 30 minutes on the pitch. Hopefully, we can continue to help him grow, allow him to keep improving, and continue to put him in the right positions.