LONDON — Andoni Iraola said he wants to enjoy the “magic” linked with being the manager of Liverpool but is determined his Anfield appointment does not change him fundamentally.
The former Bournemouth boss is well aware of the magnitude of the position he holds, with Liverpool’s demand for success exemplified by the fact he arrived in Merseyside as a result of the six-time European champions sacking Arne Slot a year after the Dutchman led the club to the Premier League title.
“Until I go through certain experiences, I will not fully know, but I’m here to experience those situations; I’m ready for it,” said the 44-year-old Iraola in his first press conference as Liverpool manager.
“I understand this is a massive club. Everything that I’m going to say now, it’s going to 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 training ground, home. I would like also to go to the city, experience the city – I know some places.
“But it’s part also of the magic of being the Liverpool manager and I would like not to change too much,” the Spaniard added according to AFP.
Liverpool finished a disappointing fifth in the Premier League table last season, losing 12 matches, and Iraola understands the need to refresh his squad following the recent departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
“Obviously, we’ve signed two players already (centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and winger Victor Munoz) but we need more players, we know this.
“As a coach, selfishly, I want the players here from day one ready to train for pre-season, but understand football doesn’t work like this. I know the club is working hard for those signings and I’m trying to help also.”
Iraola, meanwhile, wants to restore trust with fans frustrated by the team’s performances under Slot by providing the kind of attacking football not seen at Anfield since the end of Jurgen Klopp’s reign in 2024.
“I would like to give them a team that they can feel proud of,” he said. “I think football –- and especially Liverpool –- is about connecting: connecting with the people, connecting with our supporters.
“We have to be a team that works hard, intense, aggressive, vertical so everyone can be identified and everyone can feel comfortable supporting this team.”
