Liverpool manager Iraola has overseen notable defensive improvements, particularly in set-piece situations, as his team seeks stability amid a period of transition. The club, which has shown vulnerability from corners in the past, has tightened its defensive approach this season, conceding fewer goals from dead-ball scenarios compared to previous campaigns.

Iraola attributed this progress in part to the dedicated work of his assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, who have emphasized set-piece training on the practice ground. "We have, touch wood, dealt very well with defending set-pieces so far this season," Iraola remarked, while acknowledging that forthcoming matches against teams like Arsenal represent significant challenges.

The composition of Liverpool’s defensive unit suggests some influence from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, a long-time friend of Iraola. Arteta’s approach often involves deploying centre-backs in full-back roles, a strategy initially adopted at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. Liverpool’s decision to replace the inconsistent Jeremie Frimpong with Ronald Araujo, a natural centre-back, at right-back reflects this trend. Iraola pointed out that Araujo’s height and physicality bolster the team’s ability to handle set-piece threats.

Since Araujo’s introduction in a league match against Ipswich in September, Liverpool have conceded only one goal while maintaining eleven players on the field, though they have allowed several goals following red cards and in recent European fixtures. “We are defending really well lately but still we have some situations where we need to improve,” Iraola said, emphasizing a continual process of refinement.

Liverpool’s current squad features a significant number of young players and is missing key title-winning figures such as Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate. The club’s main objective remains qualification for the Champions League, and ambitions for a league title this season have not been publicly prioritized. Iraola, mindful of the challenges, insisted it is premature to draw major conclusions about the team’s long-term prospects. He noted that it took Arteta over six years to guide Arsenal to a championship and suggested such success is unlikely to come as quickly at Anfield.

Despite a cautious outlook, Liverpool’s trajectory under Iraola will be closely watched as the team continues to develop and test itself against top-tier opponents.