Andoni Iraola has promised to give Liverpool supporters “a team they can be proud of” after insisting he is ready for the challenge of managing one of the biggest clubs in world football.
The 44-year-old was unveiled as the Reds’ new head coach after signing a two-year deal last month, replacing Arne Slot following the Dutchman’s dismissal at the end of May.
Speaking at his first press conference since arriving at Anfield, Iraola made it clear that reconnecting with supporters is one of his priorities after a campaign in which fans became frustrated by the team’s lack of energy.
“I think football and especially Liverpool is about connecting – connecting with the people, connecting with our supporters,” he said.
“I’ve been on the other side of it at Anfield. I’ve experienced the goal that Federico Chiesa scored on the first day of last season [Liverpool’s winner v Bournemouth].
“You can feel the stadium and I would love to have this every time we play – but that has to come from us, from inside the pitch.
“We have to be a team that works hard – is intense, aggressive, and vertical – so everyone can identify and everyone can feel comfortable supporting this team.”
Iraola up to the task of managing a ‘Big 6’ club
Iraola arrives at Liverpool after successful spells with AEK Larnaca, Mirandes, Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, where he spent three years before making the move to Merseyside.
Despite stepping into one of the highest-profile roles in football, the Spaniard believes he is prepared for the scrutiny that comes with it.
“I’m ready for it. I understand this is a massive club,” he said.
“Everything I say now is going get the biggest scrutiny. You have to be very aware of the mistakes but I wouldn’t like to be too careful. I would like to act quite normal.
“I’m not going live in my bubble – just at the training ground and home. I would like also to go to the city, experience the city. I know some places I would like to take some pictures of.
“It’s part of the magic of being the Liverpool manager and I would like not to change too much.”
Iraola’s two-year contract raised eyebrows given the longer deals often handed to elite managers, but the former Bournemouth boss said it fits with his philosophy.
“In terms of coaching contracts – they don’t matter a lot,” he explained.
“I don’t want to be in a place because I have a contract. I signed for two years but it’s basically year to year when you are a coach.
“I hope I’m going to stay here a lot more than two years, it will mean I have done a very good job. I feel managers have to earn the right to continue every year, especially in clubs like Liverpool. I’ve always done it like this.”
Work to be done in transfer market
Liverpool have already added Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet to their squad, with the latter’s move agreed in January, but Iraola acknowledged that more arrivals are needed before the new season gets underway.
“Obviously we’ve signed two players already but we need more players, we know this. The club is working on this,” he said.
“Selfishly I want the players here from day one, ready to train for pre-season, but I understand football doesn’t work like this. I know the club is working hard for those signings and I’m trying to help also.”
The majority of Liverpool’s squad return for pre-season this week, although the club’s World Cup players will join up later in the summer.
Only Alexis Mac Allister and new signing Munoz remain involved in the tournament with Argentina and Spain respectively.
Iraola also confirmed Harvey Elliott will be given the chance to impress during pre-season after a frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa last season.
The 23-year-old managed just 110 minutes of Premier League football during his temporary stay at Villa Park, despite a clause that would have triggered a permanent move if he made 10 league appearances.
“Last season had to be difficult for Harvey. It was a strange situation, and I think he uses this experience – the bad situation – to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player,” Iraola said.
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