Andoni Iraola: Liverpool head coach wants to create a team

According to Bbc.

Context

Andoni Iraola, the 44-year-old manager, has signed a two-year contract with Liverpool after a successful spell at Bournemouth. Having previously coached teams in Spain and Cyprus, he is now ready to take on the challenge of one of the Premier League's most renowned clubs. His goal is to create a team that will bring pride to the fans and provide high intensity play.

Why is this important

The appointment of Andoni Iraola as Liverpool manager underlines the club's commitment to bringing dynamism and inspiration back to the game. Fans at Anfield expect the manager's new philosophy to help the team achieve better results in the Premier League and reconnect with the fans. Given last season, when Liverpool finished in fifth place, this appointment could be a key moment for the club.

Key takeaways

• Andoni Iraola: Liverpool head coach wants to create a team.
• Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's new head coach, aims to build a team that can inspire fans by emphasizing the importance of connection with fans and a dynamic playing style.
• Andoni Iraola: Liverpool boss wants to give fans 'team to be proud of' - BBC Sport.

Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's new manager, said he wants to give fans "a team they can be proud of" and is ready to take on the responsibility of running such a big club. The 44-year-old signed a two-year contract with Liverpool last month after a successful three seasons at Bournemouth. Liverpool finished last season fifth in the Premier League, one place above Bournemouth, before Arne Slot was sacked on May 30. Fans at Anfield expressed dissatisfaction with the team's lack of momentum last season and Iraola admitted his side needed to first inspire the fans to win their support.

"I believe football, especially in Liverpool, is about connection: connection with people, connection with our fans," he said at his first press conference since his appointment. "I was on the other side when Federico Chiesa scored at Anfield on the first day of last season [Liverpool's winning goal against Bournemouth]. You feel the atmosphere in the stadium and I would like that to happen every time we play, but it has to come from us, from inside the pitch. We have to be a team that works hard, intensely, aggressively and vertically so that everyone can identify with the team and feel comfortable supporting it."

Iraola, who previously coached AEK Larnaca in Cyprus and then Spanish sides Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano, believes he is ready for the challenge of one of the world's biggest clubs."I'm ready for this. I understand that this is a huge club," he said. "Anything I say now will be subject to serious criticism. You have to be very careful about mistakes, but I wouldn't want to be too careful. I'd like to behave normally. I'm not going to live in my bubble, just at the training ground and at home. I'd also like to walk around the city, get to know it. I know some places where I'd like to take photographs. That's part of the magic of being a Liverpool manager and I wouldn't want to change too much."

Iraola announced in April that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, after which he led the club to their first European qualification. He signed a two-year contract with Liverpool in June, which is shorter than usual in top-flight football but consistent with his coaching career. "As far as manager contracts are concerned, they don't really matter," said Iraola, who signed a two-year contract with Bournemouth before extending his deal by a year in 2024. "I don't want to be at the club just because of the contract. I signed a two-year contract, but that's basically year after year when you're a manager. I hope to stay here for much longer than two years, it will mean I'm doing a great job. I believe managers should earn the right to continue every year, especially at a club like Liverpool. I've always done that."

Iraola said he had already spoken to most of Liverpool's players and had "very good conversations". Most first-team players will return to Merseyside on Tuesday, with Liverpool's World Cup contingent expected in the coming weeks. Only Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Muñoz, Iraola's first signing, remain in the tournament, representing Argentina and Spain respectively. “Obviously we have already signed two players [Jeremie Jacquet's deal was agreed in January] but we need more players and we know that. The club is working on it," Iraola added. "Selfishly, I want the players to be here from day one, ready to train for pre-season, but I understand that's not how football works. I know the club is working hard on these signatures and I'm trying to help too."

Liverpool are targeting at least one new attack and defensive reinforcements, while Iraola has confirmed Harvey Elliott will get a chance in pre-season. Liverpool travel to America next Monday for games against Sunderland, Wexham and Leeds. Elliott, 23, played just 110 minutes of Premier League football for Aston Villa during his loan spell, a situation Unai Emery described as an "embarrassment for everyone involved". Villa had an obligation to make the deal permanent for £35 million if Elliott played 10 league matches, but he only made five. "Last season was difficult for Harvey.It was a strange situation and I think he uses this experience - a bad situation - to become even more hungry to be a Liverpool player," Iraola said.

What happens next

Iraola, who previously had a successful spell at Bournemouth, will now focus on building a team that can inspire Liverpool fans. He is expected to actively work to improve his playing style and interaction with fans, which could lead to changes in the team's composition. What matters is how quickly Iraola can implement his ideas and improve the atmosphere at Anfield.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Andoni Iraola?

Andoni Iraola was appointed head coach of Liverpool and signed a two-year contract.

Who confirmed the appointment of Iraola as Liverpool coach?

The appointment of Andoni Iraola as Liverpool manager was confirmed by Iraola himself at his first press conference.

Why does Iraola want to create a team that the fans are proud of?

Iraola believes it is important to inspire and connect with fans so they can be proud of the team.

What changes are expected in Liverpool with the arrival of Iraola?

Iraola plans to make the team more diligent, intense and aggressive so that the fans can identify with it.

When did Iraola sign for Liverpool?

Iraola signed a two-year contract with Liverpool last month.

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