Football NewsMirror FootballUnverified source· 14 Aug 2026
Barnes: Iraola's Liverpool won't challenge for title
Reds legend John Barnes predicts a top-four finish, not a title charge, for Liverpool under Andoni Iraola.
Season opener
Liverpool vs Newcastle United, August 23
Champions
Arsenal host Coventry City on August 21
Style
High-pressing, aggressive play
What happened. John Barnes believes Andoni Iraola won't lead Liverpool to title contention this season, instead predicting a top-four finish alongside Manchester United and Chelsea.
- Barnes says Liverpool will compete for Champions League spots.
- Iraola replaces Arne Slot as Liverpool manager.
- Reds will return to a high-pressing style similar to Klopp's.
Liverpool's season opener against Newcastle will test Iraola's impact.
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A. Barnes
Liverpool
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