Arteta Calls Liverpool a Real Contender, Iraola Opts for Caution
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- Mikel Arteta menegaskan Liverpool tetap kandidat juara meski musim baru berjalan, sementara Andoni Iraola menolak terburu-buruk menilai persaingan.
- Duel di Anfield akhir pekan ini berpotensi memangkas jarak menjadi tiga poin dan menghidupkan persaingan tiga arah di papan atas.
- Kembalinya Szoboszlai dan Muñoz bisa menambah opsi taktis Liverpool, tetapi Arteta justru menyoroti rekor 14 tahun tanpa kemenangan di kandang lawan sebagai motivasi.
Mikel Arteta did not hesitate to call Liverpool a serious contender for the Premier League title, even though the competition is only in its early weeks. The statement came ahead of Arsenal's trip to Anfield on Sunday, in a match that could cut the gap between the two teams to just three points.
For Arteta, Liverpool's status is not merely a formality. He believes the squad under Andoni Iraola has a combination of player quality, managerial capacity, and long history that keeps them always relevant in the trophy race. “All top clubs are title contenders. The season is still very early, but looking at their squad, manager, and history, it is clear Liverpool are there,” he said, as quoted from a press conference.
On the other side, Iraola chose a more cautious approach. He refused to treat the weekend meeting as a decisive marker for the title race. “It is still October, so we take it one match at a time. Right now we need to develop and keep getting better,” said the Spanish coach.
The news of Szoboszlai and Muñoz returning is a boost for Liverpool. Iraola confirmed that both have a chance to play, although a final decision has not been made. “They have a chance. I cannot yet confirm whether they will be involved or not. There are still two days to go, so yes, there is a chance,” he said.
Szoboszlai's presence especially matters because of his flexibility in several positions. During his absence, Iraola had to rely on Ronald Araújo at right-back—an unusual role for the Uruguayan center-back. Araújo himself said he was optimistic about the team's direction. “We are in a good moment. I believe in the quality of this team. Maybe the start of the season was not ideal, but with the manager's philosophy, I am sure the team will keep growing,” he told the club's official website.
“We are still in a development phase, and that is good because it means there is still room to grow. Now a big challenge awaits against a tough rival, but we play at home with the fans and will give everything to win.” — Ronald Araújo
This match also carries a personal story. Arteta and Iraola were once teammates and close friends since their youth. Both acknowledged that meeting on the touchline is a special moment. “It is a privilege. Someone who was once a teammate, with whom you spent many beautiful moments, now faces you at a big English and European club in a big match. It is a blessing,” said Arteta. Iraola added, “I know he will make things difficult for us, so we have to perform as well as we can.”
From a tactical perspective, this duel will test the squad depth of both teams. Arsenal arrive as defending champions and are eager to hold on to top spot. Liverpool, who stumbled early in the season, are slowly finding their rhythm and are determined to make the most of the Anfield crowd's support. For Arteta, the record of 14 years without a win at Liverpool's home is an extra spur. “It has been 14 years since we won there, so this is the time,” he stressed.
The remaining question: will this match truly mark the start of a three-way race, or will it instead be the stage for Arsenal to assert their dominance? The answer will be visible in 90 minutes at Anfield on Sunday night.
