Rush urges Liverpool to give Iraola time to succeed

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola signed a two-year deal with the Reds in June

ByIan Mitchelmore

BBC Sport Wales

Liverpool legend Ian Rush says Andoni Iraola must be given time to succeed at Anfield having been appointed as the Reds' new boss earlier this summer.

The 44-year-old was named as Arne Slot's successor in June and will oversee his first competitive match in charge of the club in the Premier League at Newcastle United on Sunday, 23 August.

Club record goalscorer Rush says the former Bournemouth boss must target winning a trophy in his debut season on Merseyside, but stressed the Spaniard should be given the opportunity to fully implement his methods.

"I think the first four or five games, that's going to be important," said the former Wales international.

"If you start well, that will give everyone the confidence to go on and be more successful."

When asked what would constitute success for Liverpool this season, Rush responded: "I've been asked every year for 30 years and I say to win the league. That's the standard at Liverpool.

"But no, he's got to be given time. If you win a trophy, that would be great. But he needs to be given time and I'm sure he'll deliver the goods."

Signings, Salah and Welsh talent

Since Iraola's appointment, the Reds have brought in centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in addition to signing Spain winger Victor Munoz.

Having lost experienced players including left-back Andy Robertson, winger Mohamed Salah and central defender Ibrahima Konate over the summer, Iraola's squad remains in need of strengthening in areas.

But Rush urged fans not to be concerned about the club's lack of transfer business so far and said those still due to return from long-term injuries - including Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and youngster Giovanni Leoni - will provide Iraola with a significant boost when available.

"We'd all like to make one or two more signings, but there's a time and a place with everything," he explained.

"We've got people coming back from injury, if we can get them back it might be okay.

"There's still a few weeks to go so let's see what happens."

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Liverpool won eight trophies during Mohamed Salah's nine years at the club

Following his Anfield exit earlier this summer, Salah is closing in on a switch to Turkish side Trabzonspor.

And, having wished Salah well for the future, Rush joked he was relieved at the departure of the Egypt international who scored 257 times for Liverpool, putting him 89 goals behind Rush's record tally.

"I think it's amazing, what he's done for Liverpool in nine years, it makes him a very, very special player," added Rush.

"He'll always be welcome at Liverpool Football Club, he knows it, he said that it's home as well.

"We wish him well, and I'm sure he will do well, but at least my record's safe for now."

Rush has also continued to keep a close eye on the progress of two Wales internationals in Lewis Koumas and Harry Wilson.

Koumas netted in Liverpool's 4-2 pre-season victory over Sunderland, with ex-Reds forward Wilson playing a key role in Leeds United's impressive comeback win against Iraola's side in Chicago.

"I've seen Lewis quite a lot in pre-season, he looks very, very good," said Rush.

"Harry Wilson, he came on in the second half, he was a major influence for Leeds in beating Liverpool."

A legend honoured

Image source, BBC Sport

Image caption, Liverpool icon Ian Rush scored 28 goals in 73 caps for Wales

The Welshman attended the grand opening of the new 'All You Need Is Rush' exhibit at Anfield's LFC Museum on Wednesday.

Rush donated items including all 16 of his career hat-trick balls, his two European golden boots and his three match-worn FA Cup final winning shirts to be put on display.

"It feels tremendous. I found it quite emotional," Rush said.

"When you stop playing, you forget about what you've achieved. You have bin bags in the loft and to get it all out, get it cleaned up and share it with Liverpool Football Club is great."

Fans attending will be greeted by a hologram of the former striker, before following a timeline of Rush's glittering career in the format of a comic book strip emblazoned on the museum's walls.

TV screens also show clips of the former forward's most iconic goals while quotes from football legends including Diego Maradona, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Bob Paisley also feature on the walls of the exhibition.

It will officially open to the public on Friday, 14 August, 30 years on from the last of the striker's 660 appearances for the club.

Club historian and curator Mark Platt said: "I'm a Liverpool fan myself, growing up in the eighties, it's a bit of a cliche, but Rushy was everyone's hero back then, scoring all the goals.

"I've known him for quite a few years now with the club but to work with all this memorabilia that he's collected, it's been a labour of love for myself."