Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has identified a critical area for improvement following his former club’s underwhelming start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign. After securing back-to-back draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, the Merseyside giants have yet to register a victory. Gerrard suggests that the current squad, managed by Andoni Iraola, is a “little bit too nice” on the pitch and lacks the necessary bite to compete for major honors.
The recent 2-2 stalemate against Nottingham Forest highlighted these defensive and intensity concerns. The visitors took the lead in the 24th minute through Dan Ndoye. Although Alexander Isak leveled the score at the hour mark, Morgan Gibbs-White regained the advantage for Forest with a 70th-minute penalty. It was not until the 82nd minute that summer arrival Victor Munoz salvaged a point for the hosts.
Reflecting on the performance during a broadcast on TNT Sports, Gerrard emphasized that Iraola needs to instill a more physical approach. The former midfielder argued that the team requires a “destroyer” capable of winning duels and making tough tackles. He noted that this lack of aggression was also evident in the opening draw against Newcastle, where he believes a more combative style could have secured all three points.
Gerrard warned that if the squad fails to develop a “nasty” side and learn how to win games by playing ugly, they will struggle to remain in contention for significant trophies. The club is reportedly nearing the acquisition of Bradley Barcola, though it remains to be seen whether this addition will provide the tactical shift the team requires to transform their fortunes.
Liverpool will look to secure their first win of the season when they face newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Friday, September 4. The upcoming fixture serves as a vital opportunity for Iraola to demonstrate that his side can adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League. The report also notes that but Morgan Gibbs-White converted a penalty 10 minutes later to restore the visitors’ lead, alexander Isak equalised at the hour-mark. The report also notes that steven Gerrard explains what Liverpool ‘lack’ under Iraola as ex-Reds captain highlights next development they need.
