ANDONI IRAOLA BLASTS CODY GAKPO: “HE IS THE MAIN REASON LIVERPOOL HAD A DISASTROUS SEASON” AS SHOCK INTERNAL TENSION EMERGES AT ANFIELD
Liverpool have been rocked by explosive reports claiming newly appointed manager Andoni Iraola has launched a fierce internal criticism of forward Cody Gakpo, allegedly blaming the Dutch attacker for the club’s disappointing season.
According to multiple sources in England, tensions have begun to surface inside the Anfield dressing room as Iraola, in his early period in charge of Liverpool, reportedly delivered a brutally honest assessment of individual performances following a series of inconsistent results and missed chances in key matches.
The most explosive claim circulating in the British media is that Andoni Iraola directly singled out Gakpo as a major factor behind Liverpool’s poor campaign, questioning his consistency, decision-making and influence in decisive moments.
The reported quote has sent shockwaves across the football world:
“He is the main reason Liverpool had a disastrous season.”
While Liverpool have not officially confirmed or denied the comments, the story has already sparked intense debate among supporters and pundits, with many questioning whether early friction is developing under Iraola’s leadership at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola, who recently took over at Liverpool, is understood to be implementing a high-intensity tactical system focused on aggressive pressing, quick transitions, and strict positional discipline. However, sources suggest that not all attacking players have adapted smoothly to the new demands.
Cody Gakpo, known for his versatility across the front line, intelligent movement and technical quality, has been regularly used in multiple attacking roles. However, reports indicate that his performances and end product have come under increased scrutiny as Liverpool struggle for consistency in the final third.
Some internal observers believe the Dutch forward has been affected by tactical rotation and shifting roles, which may have disrupted rhythm and reduced effectiveness in key attacking phases.
The emergence of alleged criticism from Andoni Iraola has triggered concern about potential early instability within the squad at a crucial stage of transition.
Supporters have reacted strongly, with opinions sharply divided across social media. Some fans argue that a new manager must be allowed to demand higher standards and accountability after a poor season. Others fear that publicly or internally isolating key players could damage morale and slow down the rebuilding process.
Inside the club, senior Liverpool figures are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with efforts underway to ensure squad unity is maintained as Iraola continues to shape his tactical identity and long-term project at Anfield.
Former players and analysts have also weighed in, noting that early managerial transitions often bring friction as players adjust to new systems and expectations. However, many stress that successful rebuilds depend heavily on managing dressing room dynamics carefully and avoiding public escalation of internal criticism.
Despite the controversy, Gakpo remains an important attacking option for Liverpool. His ability to operate across multiple forward positions, link play, and contribute in build-up phases ensures he continues to be viewed as a valuable part of the squad.
At this stage, Liverpool have made no official comment regarding the alleged remarks from Andoni Iraola, and it remains unclear whether the comments were made exactly as reported or amplified through media interpretation.
Nevertheless, the story has already become one of the most discussed early narratives of Iraola’s reign at Anfield, placing immediate pressure on both manager and player as Liverpool attempt to move forward after a difficult season.