​The World Cup is fading from view as pre-season kicks off for many of Europe’s clubs in the coming days, and Liverpool is no exception. A compact senior squad of around 15 first-team players gathered today for their initial preparations for the 2026-27 campaign. But the spotlight was not just on the players returning; it was squarely on the new head coach, Andoni Iraola. He arrived soon after last season concluded, following more than a year of difficulties and a lack of signs of improvement that left the club with little choice but to part ways with Arne Slot.
With many players reuniting for the first time today, Iraola also spoke publicly for the first time since taking the helm. He was asked what kind of team he envisions building in the weeks and months ahead as he aims to steady the ship and get the Reds back on track.
“I would like to give them a team the fans can feel proud of,” Iraola said. “I think football, especially for Liverpool, is about connection—connecting with people, connecting with the supporters. I’ve been on the other side at Anfield; I’ve experienced the intensity of the stadium. I’ve felt the energy when Federico Chiesa scored on the first game last season, and you can feel this atmosphere. I would love to experience this every game we play. And that connection has to come from us on the pitch. We must be a team that works hard—intense, aggressive, vertical so everyone can be identified, so everyone can feel comfortable supporting.”
Iraola added that the squad will need at least a few new signings to bolster the ranks. Victor Muñoz has been recruited from Osasuna, and Jeremy Jacquet’s move from Rennes has been completed after the talented centre-half spent the season at his previous club. These arrivals mark a positive start, but Iraola stressed that they won’t be the final piece of the puzzle. The season’s realities are unforgiving, and even with these two additions, Liverpool face a long to-do list.
Last season revealed Liverpool’s fragility: a thin, unbalanced squad stemming from the missteps of the 2025 summer transfer window, a failure that at least contributed to the downfall of Iraola’s predecessor. Since then, the club has also seen departures of key players, including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté. Even if more players don’t leave, there is ample work to be done to restore balance and depth to the squad. Muñoz and Jacquet are a solid start, but they cannot represent the end of the recruitment drive. With pre-season already underway and a tour looming later this month, time is of the essence for Liverpool.
“We’ve already signed two players, but we need more,” Iraola said. “We know this, and the club is working on it. As a coach, selfishly you want the players here on day one, ready to train for pre-season, but we understand that football doesn’t work like that. I know the club is making a strong effort to bring in the right signings, and I’m trying to help in any way I can. I’m using these couple of weeks before we begin full first-team training to speak with many of the people who work here every day, so our players can perform at their best and we can maximise their abilities.”