Iraola sets the tone ahead of the Como friendly

Andoni Iraola has gone on the record with a clear message to Liverpool supporters: this squad has what it takes. Writing in his programme notes ahead of Sunday's pre-season friendly with Como at Anfield, the new Reds head coach struck a tone that was confident without tipping into complacency, and it feels like exactly the kind of steady, grounded communication the fanbase has been waiting for.

"There is no doubt in my mind about the quality and the potential we have within our squad, and now it is up to us to show that on a consistent basis going forward," Iraola writes. He also touched on the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister back at the AXA Training Centre following the World Cup, confirming that Liverpool now have their full complement of players available as they prepare for the serious business ahead. The mood in the camp, at least from the outside, appears settled.

What Iraola said about Ronald Araujo and the squad build

One of the more significant developments of the week was the loan arrival of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, and Iraola was effusive about what the centre-back brings to the dressing room. "We are, of course, very pleased to have added a player of such quality and experience, and I am sure he will settle in quickly and have a positive impact on our squad," the head coach said, adding that Araujo could make his debut against Como on Sunday.

Araujo joins Jeremy Jacquet, signed for £60m, and winger Victor Munoz, who arrived after Liverpool triggered his £34.5m Osasuna release clause back in June, as the summer additions so far. That is three new faces brought into the building, though the elephant in the room remains the absence of a genuine replacement for Mohamed Salah, who departed as a free agent at the end of last season. Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate also left on free transfers, meaning the squad has seen significant outgoings that the current window has only partially addressed.

The Barcola situation and what it means for the squad

The Salah-shaped gap is where the Barcola story comes in. Talks between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are ongoing, with the Champions League holders understood to be holding firm around the £140m mark for the France international. Anfield's hierarchy, however, remain hopeful that the figure can be brought down through further negotiation, and discussions are continuing behind the scenes.

At £140m that would represent a record outlay, and it is not hard to see why the club are pushing back on the valuation. Whether PSG blink before the Premier League campaign kicks off on 23 August, when Liverpool travel to Newcastle United, remains to be seen. That is a punishing opening fixture, and going into it without a genuine wide threat to replace Salah would be a concern, though Iraola's programme notes suggest he retains full faith in the players already at his disposal. Whether that faith is fully tested at St. James' Park may well depend on what happens in the coming days.

What comes next for Liverpool

Sunday's friendly with Como at Anfield is the last warm-up before the real thing begins, and it gives Iraola one final opportunity to sharpen his side before the curtain goes up on what promises to be a fascinating new era. Iraola has already noted the improvement he wants to see, and with a full squad available for the first time, the coaching staff will be eager to see those ideas land on the pitch.

With Barcola talks still alive and the window open for a while yet, this Liverpool story is far from written. Keep watching.