Ngukumoha speaks frankly about Iraola after scoring the winning goal for Liverpool in their warm-up victory over Wrexham.
On 30 July 2026 GMT+7, Rio Ngukumoha, the 17-year-old rising winger, gave an interview after Liverpool's second pre-season friendly in the United States, where they narrowly defeated Championship side Wrexham 1-0.
In this match, Rio Ngukumoha came on as a second-half substitute and scored the winning goal for Liverpool in the 75th minute by driving the ball into the penalty area. The shot deflected off a Wrexham defender and floated over the goalkeeper into the top corner.
Rio Ngukumoha opened up about his desire to impress Liverpool's new manager, Andoni Iraola, to increase his chances of starting matches more regularly next season. His statistics from last season (under Arne Slot) across all competitions are as follows:
Played 29 matches
Started 9 matches
Scored 2 goals
Provided 1 assist
- "Certainly, building on the end of last season, I just want to get on the pitch and start as many matches as possible."
"These friendly matches are a great chance to show the manager what I can do because it’s a fresh start for everyone. It’s important and very positive."
- "Pressing. We like to press high, so if we win the ball back, we can attack at full speed. When we have possession, if there’s an opportunity for one-on-one duels, we should be brave and take them on, but if it’s not possible, just fall back, regroup, and continue. Also, scoring goals and providing assists."
- "The coaching staff all tell me to play my natural style, whether cutting inside or going down the wing. I've been practicing both right and left flanks; the main goal is to be unpredictable to opponents."
