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The Road to the 2026 World Cup Saudi Arabia has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but their journey has been marked by significant changes. Hervé Renard was fired as head coach in April and replaced by Georgios Donis, who had to pick his squad without overseeing a game. Donis, a Greek winger formerly of Blackburn, has coached four Saudi Pro League clubs and knows the league and players, which is why he got the job. His first competitive game as head coach will be against Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay. The Coach's Challenge Donis faces a tough task in preparing his team for the World Cup. The team's previous coach, Hervé Renard, had a successful stint from 2019 to 2023, overseeing a famous win against Argentina at the Qatar World Cup. However, his second spell was underwhelming, and the team scraped through qualification. Star Player: Salem Al-Dawsari Salem Al-Dawsari is Saudi Arabia's star player. The Asian Player of the Year scored the winning goal against Argentina in 2022 and has consistently been one of the stars of Al-Hilal, cutting in from the left to maximum effect. One to Watch: Musab Al-Juwayr Musab Al-Juwayr is 22, but has already made more than 30 appearances for the Green Falcons. More is still expected of the creative midfielder who won the Saudi Pro League’s Most Promising Player award last season for his vision, passing skills and ability to slow things down when others are rushing around. Unsung Hero: Firas Al-Buraikan Firas Al-Buraikan is an important player for Saudi Arabia. Saudi strikers get a bad press, but Al-Buraikan has scored goals when given time and opportunities. He hasn’t quite become the undisputed No 9 for his country that many expected, but never stops working or running. Probable Starting XI The probable starting XI for Saudi Arabia includes: Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Owais Defenders: Omar Hawsawi , Ali Al-Bulaihi , Hassan Kadesh , Saud Abdulhamid Midsfielders: Nasser Al-Khateeb , Abdullah Otayf , Salman Al-Faraj Forwards: Salem Al-Dawsari , Firas Al-Buraikan , Moussa Marega What to Expect from Fans at Games Saudi Arabian fans are expected to be well-represented at the World Cup, with ticket sales described as “steady” from fans in the country and with the Saudi community in the United States. There should be a few thousand in Miami, Atlanta and Houston. Relationship with the US/Trump Saudi Arabia has a close relationship with the US, being one of President Trump's favourite countries. However, Saudi Arabian players and staff don't make political statements as a matter of course.

The LeadOnce a symbol of national unity and joy, Iran's World Cup qualification now reflects deep political divisions. The national football team's relationship with the public has transformed amid social unrest and political tensions following the death of Mahsa Amini.The Cultural Significance of Football in IranIranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami captured the profound importance of football in Iranian society through his film "Life, and Nothing More..." set during the 1990 World Cup. The film depicted a villager, despite having lost family members in an earthquake, adjusting a television antenna to watch Argentina play Brazil. Kiarostami later wrote about this scene: "This sequence is directly drawn from a similar experience during my trip to the earthquake-stricken region in the early days after the disaster. [The man] had his left arm in a cast, was shirtless, and with his right hand was striking one stone against another at the base of the antenna to secure it. I saw that after that event, what mattered there was life – and then football."The Evolution of National PrideAt one time, football and the World Cup held such importance for Iranians that they symbolized hope for continuing life. Qualifying for the 1998 World Cup – after defeating Australia over two legs – was celebrated for years like a national occasion, with special programs, interviews, and repeated broadcasts of match highlights on national television. Four decades later, football – and specifically the national team – has become one of the most controversial aspects of Iranian life at a critical historical moment; a controversy with roots in politics and Iran's collective memory.The Changing Landscape of CelebrationIran have missed two World Cups since 1998 and each qualification has been accompanied by street celebrations – except the most recent one. While videos of past qualification celebrations are easily found online, there are virtually no videos on social media of festivities marking qualification for this World Cup. A segment of Iranian society began distancing itself from the national team after September 2022, when the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody triggered one of the most intense waves of protests since the Islamic Revolution. These protests became known as the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement.The Political DivideAt the time, just before the Qatar World Cup, protesters believed national-team players had not taken a clear stance against the suppression of the demonstrations. Even the players' act of solidarity before the first match, against England, standing in silence during the national anthem in memory of those killed in the unrest, did not bring protesters closer to the team. From that point, for some Iranians, the national team became "the regime's team," and this divide has widened.The Economic and Social ContextEconomic pressure, declining purchasing power and the shadow of war (which had not yet happened) contributed to football's importance for Iranians falling to its lowest level in decades. There is a stark contrast to the atmosphere around the 2014 World Cup, when even a 1–0 loss to Argentina in the second group game led to hopeful street celebrations. During the 2018 World Cup the team's matches were shown on the big screens at Azadi Stadium and received a great response.The Future of Iranian FootballNima, 42, who has lived outside Iran for years, says: "Iran's national team has gone from being a team that represented the people during the war with Iraq or the 1998 World Cup, to a team that now promotes the regime. That's why I no longer care what results they get." This sentiment reflects a growing divide between the national team and a significant portion of the Iranian population, suggesting that football's role in Iranian society may continue to evolve in response to political and social changes.

The Global Sports LandscapeThe world of sports is buzzing with exciting events across multiple disciplines. From the World Cup kick-off to tennis grand slams, cricket history, cycling races, and basketball finals, this quiz tests your knowledge of the latest happenings in the sporting world.World Cup Kick-Off and Player OriginsThe World Cup begins with Mexico playing South Africa in Mexico City, a rerun of the first game in the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg. Interestingly, France is the country where 98 of the 1,248 players in the 48 World Cup squads were born, with twelve different national teams having players born in France.Champions League Final SurprisesIn a surprising turn of events, PSG beat Arsenal in the Champions League final, but PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov didn't make a single save throughout the 120 minutes of play or the penalty shootout.Challenge Cup DominanceWigan showcased their dominance by winning all three Challenge Cup finals at Wembley - the men's, women's, and schools finals - all held on the same day.Historic FA Cup TrebleManchester City made history by winning the men's FA Cup, women's FA Cup, and Youth FA Cup in the same season. They join Chelsea as the only clubs to have achieved this feat, with Chelsea accomplishing it in the 2017-18 season.Serena's Grand Slam ReturnTennis legend Serena Williams is making a comeback at the age of 44. Her last grand slam singles title came in 2017, adding to her remarkable collection of 23 grand slam titles won between 1999 and 2017.Epsom Derby ContendersHorse racing enthusiasts are looking forward to the Epsom Derby, where horses with intriguing names like Item, Action, Christmas Day, and Poker will compete, with Benvenuto Cellini as the favorite.French Open Ranking SurpriseMaja Chwalińska has made waves at the French Open by reaching the women's final despite being ranked No. 114 in the world. The 24-year-old has earned more prize money this week than in the rest of her career combined.IPL Young Star Recognition15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi won the player of the tournament award in the IPL and received a car as a prize. While he can't drive it yet, he'll be able to in three years' time.Lord's Cricket HeritageAs England hosts New Zealand at Lord's for the 150th Test match at the venue, it's worth noting that the ground is named after cricketer Thomas Lord, with the first Test there held in 1884 when England beat Australia.NHL Stanley Cup FinalsThe Stanley Cup final is visiting Raleigh and Paradise this week, with the Carolina Hurricanes (based in Raleigh, North Carolina) taking on the Vegas Golden Knights (based in Paradise, Nevada).Giro d'Italia DisqualificationLorena Wiebes won the opening stage of the women's Giro d'Italia but won't complete the race after being disqualified because her bike weighed 6.78kg - just 20 grams shy of the 6.8kg minimum weight limit.NBA Finals HistoryThe New York Knicks are trying to win the NBA Finals for the first time since 1973, facing opponents the San Antonio Spurs, who have won the championship five times since then.International Team ConnectionsTahith Chong scored for Curaçao in a friendly against Scotland, but he's unique in Dick Advocaat's squad as the only player born in Curaçao, with all other squad members born in the Netherlands.Ice Hockey World Championship SurpriseIn a stunning upset, Hungary shocked Canada to win their first medal at the men's ice hockey world championship, marking a historic achievement for the Hungarian team.

Clarke's Contract Extension: A Calculated Risk or Strategic Masterstroke? The summit of Scottish football provides a wonderful environment for those who value long-term career stops. Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the Scottish Professional Football League, arrived at the then Scottish Premier League in 2009. Ian Maxwell, bizarrely headhunted from relegation-bound Partick Thistle, has been the Scottish Football Association's chief executive since 2018. Scot Gemmill's tenure as the nation's under-21 manager has lasted a decade despite underwhelming results. Glass half full or half empty; either this is a domain that delivers admirable continuity or one in which no one makes sufficient progress to appeal to those in bigger ponds. The Extension and Its Timing Amidst Controversy Against this backdrop, Steve Clarke's four-year extension as Scotland manager is really no surprise. "It's pretty staggering for anyone to say that giving him a new contract is a gamble," said Maxwell. The Scottish FA's president, Mike Mulraney, delivered standard bluster when assessing the deal. "I don't need other people to vindicate my decision," insisted Mulraney. Maxwell and Mulraney lauded Clarke before Scotland toiled at Euro 2024. All three were nowhere to be seen, with no explanations offered, as a footballing nation recoiled with anger at the manner of the team's tournament exit. The Scottish FA has never given the sense of being anything other than beholden to Clarke, or that it is the manager himself who determines his own future. Despite sentiment to the contrary, affording Clarke fresh terms immediately before the World Cup was a bold – and dangerous – call. It at least leaves the impression that finals performance does not matter when, in this one, it absolutely does. The rush to disregard that obvious fact is curious. If Clarke's qualification record was sufficient to earn him a new contract, it should have been actioned immediately after the extraordinary victory over Denmark that secured a World Cup berth. Instead, the topic disappeared until Clarke made plain before March's friendlies that he was uncomfortable with his contractual position. Scotland's Tournament Record Under Clarke The 62-year-old had earlier seemed content to leave after the World Cup until a change of heart that will, in theory, take his reign to 11 years. Cynics may suggest Clarke and his paymasters deduced it will be far more difficult for Scotland not to qualify for Euro 2028 – for which they are a host nation – than to feature in the event. The manager has doubled his salary by way of bonus each time Scotland exited a qualifying phase. Clarke has been a superb Scotland manager. He has massively enhanced standards and attitudes. Three tournament qualifications in four attempts have arrived in different ways, which point towards a multi-dimensional coach. In the past two years Clarke has been more hands-on than ever on the training ground with players responding exceptionally well. Scotland's World Cup Hopes and Managerial Strategy Scotland's World Cup, their bid to make history, essentially boils down to their opening Group C game. Comprehensive victory against Haiti would almost certainly be enough to seal a knockout berth for the first time. Anything else and the situation will feel immediately grim, with Morocco and Brazil lying in wait. Haiti turned heads with a 4-0 dismissal of New Zealand on Wednesday. Still, they are ranked outside the world's top 80 national teams, with their World Cup absence since 1974 making Scotland's 28-year wait appear brief. There will be no excuse for Scotland, armed with five-star facilities, a small army of staff and a playing contingent for whom this World Cup arrives in a career sweet spot, not seizing this moment. Scotland are a decent team rather than an excellent one and the next step on their World Cup journey comes with Saturday evening's warm-up against Bolivia in New Jersey. That night against Denmark was highly rare in that it dipped into the spectacular. Other sides of the same ilk – Australia, the USA, Denmark and Algeria – have progressed from groups in recent World Cup finals. It is apt for the Tartan Army to celebrate their return to this environment but that should not overshadow a serious competitive goal, to show they have learned from shortcomings in 2021 and 2024. What's Next for Scottish Football Post-World Cup? Clarke shot a glance towards the future by involving Tyler Fletcher in his World Cup squad. The Manchester United midfielder has a far higher ceiling than those he edged out for a seat on the plane. Lennon Miller will feel hard done by but the Udinese midfielder, once lauded in Scotland's top flight, can appear one-paced in elite company. Fletcher is precisely the player Scotland can build a future team around. This was an astute Clarke move. So, too, was penning his latest contract; no wonder Scotland's manager looks in high spirits. Whenever he does leave, the challenge will be to fund a coach who Scotland's squad hold in similar esteem. That successor is not readily identifiable, which gives the Scottish FA a slight pass when it comes to sticking to who they know. The narrow-minded obsession with a Scot in the dugout limits their options. Berti Vogts was a long time ago. It would have been judicious for the Scottish FA to wait and see how the World Cup plays out. The standing of managers is a movable feast, rather that one based on guarantees because of prior achievement. If there is trauma, those Scottish FA officials will be in an invidious position. It leaves the rest wonder why on earth they flirted with such needless risk.

Lead: Overview of the 2026 World Cup Group Landscape48 teams will compete in 12 groups during the tournament’s first stage, marking the largest World Cup field ever. The article ranks the groups from hardest to easiest and identifies the two favourites in each group who are expected to secure automatic qualification. Group Seeding and Tournament StructureThe draw placed twelve seeded teams across the groups, including the three host nations (USA, Canada, Mexico) and eight top‑ranked countries. The four highest‑ranked sides – Spain, Argentina, France and England – were allocated to separate quadrants, ensuring they cannot meet before the semifinals if they top their groups.Top two teams from each group advance to the round of 32.The eight best third‑placed teams also progress, creating a 32‑team knockout field. Statistical Snapshot: Rankings, Group Averages and Qualification PathsAverage FIFA rankings vary widely across the groups, influencing perceived difficulty:Group I (France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway) – highest average ranking, labelled the "group of death".Group A (Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic) – lowest average ranking (35), viewed as one of the easier groups.Group averages range from 26 (Group F) to 35 (Group A), with the second‑lowest average in Group E.FIFA’s rule: if a seeded team finishes first in its group, it avoids other seeded teams until the semifinals. Strategic Implications for Teams and Host NationsHost nations gain a competitive edge through home support, but the new format still demands strong performances:USA (Group D) and Mexico (Group A) are positioned as automatic‑qualification favourites in their respective groups.Traditional powerhouses such as France, England, Spain, Argentina and Brazil are expected to top their groups, yet the presence of strong challengers (e.g., Senegal, Morocco, Netherlands, Japan) adds uncertainty.Dark‑horse teams like Norway and Iraq could disrupt the hierarchy in Group I, while debutants Uzbekistan and Curacao face steep odds. Looking Ahead: Potential Upsets and Path to the KnockoutsWhile the favourites are clear, the expanded format creates room for surprise results:The eight best third‑placed teams will be drawn against group winners, meaning a strong third‑place finish could still yield a favourable knockout matchup.Groups with narrow ranking gaps (e.g., Group F, Group K) are likely to produce tight races for the second automatic spot.Host‑nation performances will be closely watched, as early exits could diminish local enthusiasm and affect broadcast revenues.Overall, the group rankings set the stage for a highly competitive tournament where traditional giants must guard against emerging threats, and several underdogs have realistic pathways to the round of 32.

Iraq has clinched a historic spot at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the final nation to qualify and ending a 40‑year absence from football’s biggest stage. The Epic Journey to Mexico and Qualification Twenty hours on a bus, a charter plane out of the Middle East, and a one‑off game carrying the expectations of 48 million people defined Iraq’s road to the tournament. After a two‑year, 21‑match qualification marathon, the Lions of Mesopotamia travelled overland to Jordan, endured a 24‑hour flight delay, and finally landed in Monterrey for the inter‑continental playoff against Bolivia. Coach Graham Arnold gave his squad three days to recover before the decisive match, insisting they “don’t use it as an excuse.” The plan worked: a 2‑1 victory, sealed by a corner‑kick goal from 24‑year‑old forward Ali Al‑Hamadi, booked Iraq’s place at the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Numbers Behind Iraq’s Historic Qualification 21 matches played over more than two years 48 million Iraqi fans cheering the campaign Travel itinerary: 20‑hour bus ride → charter plane → 24‑hour flight delay → 3‑day recovery period Playoff result: Iraq 2 – Bolivia 1 First World Cup goal scorer: Ali Al‑Hamadi (on loan at Luton Town) What Iraq’s Return Means for Middle‑East Football The qualification marks a symbolic victory for a nation scarred by decades of conflict, sanctions and political instability. Football has become a “vehicle for happiness” for Iraqis, offering a rare moment of unity and pride. The success also revives the legacy of the 2007 Asian Cup triumph, reminding the region that Iraqi football can still compete on the continental stage. Beyond national morale, the achievement may inspire investment in grassroots programs across the Middle East, encouraging other war‑torn nations to view sport as a pathway to global recognition. Looking Ahead: Iraq’s Group‑of‑Death Challenge and Prospects With only a short preparation window, the squad will train in Spain and face friendlies against Spain and Andorra before heading to the United States. Drawn in a “group of death” with France, Norway (featuring Erling Haaland) and Senegal, Iraq’s path is steep. Arnold’s experience—guiding Australia to the round of 16 at Qatar 2022—provides tactical know‑how, but success will hinge on the team’s “mindset of shocking the world.” Midfielder Aimar Sher, born in Iraq but raised in Sweden, epitomises the blend of diaspora talent and home‑grown determination that could fuel an upset. If the Lions can translate their fighting spirit into disciplined performances, they may not only spoil a party but also rewrite the narrative of Middle‑East football on the world stage.

The Prevalence of Sexism and Bullying in Sports Women are being shut out of careers in sport by entrenched sexism, discrimination, and workplace bullying, MPs have been told. Female coaches are routinely overlooked, undermined, and denied opportunities despite their qualifications, experts told a parliamentary select committee. The Impact on Female Coaches “These hostile environments are hideous for women trying to build a career in sports. It’s so bad that it’s unfair to put women in those environments,” said Lisa West, head of policy at Women in Sport. The consequences extend far beyond individual careers, experts told the women and equalities committee’s first evidence session of its new inquiry, Beyond Participation: Routes into Sport for Girls and Women. The Data Analysis The committee heard that one in five female coaches reported experiencing harassment or bullying, reflecting deep-rooted biases that continue to shape who is trusted, promoted, and listened to across sport. Despite a growth in women’s sport, women account for only about a quarter of coaching positions in UK Sport-funded programmes, with even fewer in technical leadership roles. The Impact Analysis “A coaching system that sidelines women risks depriving athletes of role models, narrowing the talent pool, and reinforcing the message that, even in a rapidly changing sporting landscape, the most influential positions remain a male preserve,” said Lisa Williams, the head coach of London All Stars women’s basketball team. Highly qualified women are still being passed over in favour of less-experienced men, the panel heard. The Prediction A UK-wide survey by UK Coaching and Women in Sport recently found that harassment, bullying, and discrimination remain key reasons women leave coaching altogether, with many reporting they do not feel safe or supported in male-dominated environments. Experts predict that without change, the number of women in coaching positions will continue to decline, with women aged 18 to 34 being the most affected.

The New Zealand national football team, the All Whites, have secured a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ranked 85th, they face a daunting Group G line‑up of Belgium, Egypt and Iran, but a professional‑era squad and a seasoned coach give them a realistic shot at reaching the knockout stage for the first time. All Whites' Road to the 2026 World Cup After winning Oceania’s sole qualifying spot, New Zealand entered the tournament with a markedly different profile from the part‑time side that appeared in South Africa 2010. Coach Darren Bazeley emphasises possession‑based football, a style that served them well in qualifiers but will be tested against higher‑rated opponents. Group G fixtures: 15 June vs Iran (Los Angeles), 21 June vs Egypt (Vancouver), 26 June vs Belgium (Vancouver). Recent warm‑up results: 2‑0 loss to Finland, 4‑1 victory over Chile – the latter marking New Zealand’s first win against a South American nation. Key squad notes: Chris Wood (captain, 89 caps, 45 goals) returning from a serious knee injury; Eli Just (26‑year‑old attacking midfielder) highlighted as a breakout talent. Key Numbers Shaping New Zealand's Chances FIFA ranking: New Zealand 85th – the lowest among qualifiers. Opponents' rankings: Belgium 9th, Egypt 29th, Iran 21st. Recent form: 10 friendlies since qualification – 1 draw, 7 losses, 2 wins (including the Chile win). Defensive record in OFC qualifiers: 14 wins, 1 draw, 4 goals conceded, 64 goals scored. Chris Wood: 45 international goals; his fitness is a decisive factor according to commentator Paul Ifill. What Qualification Means for New Zealand Football Qualifying for a third World Cup marks the culmination of a decade‑long professionalisation drive. The tournament offers a platform to showcase the growing depth of New Zealand talent, attract higher‑profile overseas contracts, and inspire grassroots participation across the country. Success would also narrow the historic gap between New Zealand and other Oceania nations, reinforcing the All Whites as the region’s benchmark. Projected Path Through Group G and Beyond Analysts suggest that a disciplined defensive setup combined with swift counter‑attacks could earn New Zealand a point against Iran and a potential upset versus Egypt. A win or draw against Belgium appears unlikely, but a narrow loss would still leave the team in contention for a third‑place finish and a possible advancement on goal difference. Best‑case scenario: 1 win (vs Iran), 1 draw (vs Egypt), finish 3rd, advance on goal difference. Most‑likely scenario: 1 point (draw vs Iran), finish 4th, exit at group stage. Key variables: Wood’s fitness, midfield cohesion (Joe Bell, Eli Just), and Bazeley’s tactical flexibility. Regardless of the outcome, the All Whites’ participation will be a milestone for New Zealand football, offering valuable experience that could fuel future World Cup cycles.

Liverpool's Swift Managerial ChangeRichard Hughes and Michael Edwards have acted with decisiveness and a clear sense of what Liverpool's difficult situation demanded in switching head coaches within six days, although the appointment of Andoni Iraola removes just one layer of uncertainty from Anfield. Several others remain, including their roles in leading Liverpool's recovery alongside Arne Slot's successor.With supporters turning against Slot's football and more players liking Mohamed Salah's critical social media post than wishing the Dutchman well following his sacking, Liverpool could not allow disillusionment to fester and needed to move fast. Sporting director Hughes and Edwards, chief executive of football for the club's owner Fenway Sports Group, have delivered.Iraola's Appointment: Style and PhilosophyIn Iraola, who was coveted by Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace after improving Bournemouth in each of his three seasons on the south coast, those in charge of football operations at Liverpool have hired a coach who promises a version of the aggressive attacking style that captivated the Kop under Jürgen Klopp. But winning is what captivates Anfield most of all and there is much more to the appointment of Iraola than style of play.Liverpool's new head coach has demonstrated a flair for improving individual players and handling disruption with minimal fuss. Slot may have lost his way on all counts, but still delivered Champions League qualification in the most trying circumstances and under a most unforgiving spotlight.Liverpool's Investment and Performance DeclineThe urgency behind the move for Iraola was not only a reaction to external pressures and the despondency that had set in at Anfield over the final weeks of last season. Several attractive clubs are in the market for a new manager before the World Cup and there is a limited pool of talent available.With the Basque holding talks with Leverkusen and Milan, and Liverpool's powerbrokers convinced of his suitability and ability, FSG needed to sign off on their recommendations quickly. The World Cup will disrupt Iraola's first pre-season and there is much to be done to turn the trajectory of a team in decline.New signings are the obvious place to start. Slot believed the addition of two wingers this summer would catapult Liverpool back to the levels of his title-winning campaign, finally filling the voids left by Luis Díaz's departure and Salah's dramatic drop in form. Liverpool agree with their former head coach on that score and two wingers remain their priority.The Challenge of Managing at AnfieldBournemouth operate in a completely different environment. Iraola surviving at the Vitality Stadium after a nine-game winless start to his Premier League career is testament to that. "We didn't start well and, probably, you were thinking: 'Who the fuck is this guy?'" Iraola joked at his Bournemouth farewell.Anfield would not be pondering that question during a nine-game winless run but screaming it at those responsible. Unwavering support for a Liverpool manager is not guaranteed, as Slot discovered 13 months after delivering the title in his debut season and having faced unprecedented challenges in his second.But Iraola has been hired because Liverpool also firmly believe he can get the best out of players already in the building. The judgment of Hughes and Edwards is likely to stand or fall by this conviction. Liverpool's reputation for astute trading and forward thinking, well established in the Klopp/Edwards era, has taken a battering after last summer's record investment of almost £450m yielded dismal results.Iraola's Path to Liverpool's RecoveryLiverpool remain convinced they acquired talent that can deliver the biggest prizes. The eyes on last season say differently, although there is substance to the argument that Slot struggled to find the best position for Florian Wirtz or play to the strengths of Alexander Isak. Liverpool's former head coach could respond with an injury list that restricted Isak, Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké to less than two hours together on the same pitch last season.Isak appeared ill-suited to Liverpool on the few occasions he was match fit but a more dynamic approach under Iraola, who wants the ball released into his forwards as early as possible, should make the Sweden international more effective. Wirtz, clearly gifted but too often on the periphery in his debut Liverpool campaign, should also benefit from the shift in style plus the addition of two fast wingers.Iraola's work with defenders is another part of his appeal to Liverpool. At Bournemouth he coached Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez into talents worthy of big money moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Liverpool respectively. Not one has had the same impact since leaving the Vitality Stadium.