Liverpool supporters have taken to social media to voice their approval of head coach Andoni Iraola’s decision to bench midfielder Ryan Gravenberch for Sunday’s Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth. The fixture at the Vitality Stadium sees the Reds aiming to improve their league standing, having secured only one victory and three draws in their opening four top-flight encounters this season. Despite an unbeaten run of six matches across all competitions, the team has struggled to find consistency domestically.
For the clash against the Cherries, Iraola opted to field a midfield trio consisting of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz. Gravenberch has seen limited action recently, having started only two matches in all competitions this term and just once in the team’s last five outings. Since joining from Bayern Munich in 2023, the midfielder has amassed 143 appearances, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists while helping the club secure a Premier League title and an EFL Cup.
Sunday’s match serves as a significant milestone for Iraola, marking his first return to Bournemouth since departing to take the helm at Anfield during the summer. The manager’s previous tenure on the south coast lasted three years, during which he oversaw 127 matches, recording 48 wins, 41 defeats, and 38 draws. His work at the club included a successful campaign last season that saw the team finish sixth and qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
While Bournemouth continues to search for their first Premier League win of the current season—having recorded three draws and one loss—they head into the Liverpool game following a positive result on the continent. In their most recent fixture, the Cherries secured a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in an away Europa League clash. The report also notes that as one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, some Liverpool fans online are pleased with the decision. The report also notes that he left the Cherries in the summer after a three-year stint to move to Anfield. The report also notes that he spoke about facing his former side and said (h/t Liverpoolfc.com ), ahead of the game.
