Ray Houghton warns Andoni Iraola of immediate pressure

Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton says Andoni Iraola will face pressure as he starts his tenure with Liverpool. Houghton describes the opening period as a "strange start" because many players are away at the World Cup.

The World Cup absence limits Iraola's squad options. Houghton adds the new manager must "hit the ground running".

Houghton points to Arne Slot winning the league but finishing fifth, which was deemed insufficient. He says that outcome puts huge pressure on whoever takes over.

Houghton made the comments during an interview with BBC Radio Merseyside. He referred to Iraola as the new Reds boss.