​Andoni Iraola has spoken about his desire to savor the “magic” of taking charge as Liverpool’s head coach, while fully recognizing the scale of the job ahead. The former Bournemouth boss is set to begin pre-season officially on Tuesday, though the squad’s return has been delayed for many by the World Cup, leaving him with only a limited number of senior players at the outset.
Iraola acknowledges that the true magnitude of stepping up from the Championship to the Premier League will reveal itself only after he fully immerses himself in the responsibilities that come with managing at Anfield. That immersion, he believes, will also involve learning about the city itself as well as the club. Yet he is adamant that he will not retreat into a shell or dramatically alter his approach despite facing the biggest professional challenge of his career.
“I want to think I understand. Probably not until you are here and until you go through certain experiences, I will not fully know, but I am here to experience those situations, I am ready for it,” he said during his first press conference in the role. He stressed that Liverpool’s enormity will come with intense scrutiny and the need for careful conduct, but he does not intend to be overly cautious. “I wouldn’t like to be too careful. I would like to act quite normal. I’m not going to live in my bubble—just the training ground, home. I would like to go to the city, experience the city, I know some places, I will have to take some pictures. But it’s part also of the magic of being the Liverpool manager. I would like not to change too much.”
Iraola succeeds Arne Slot, who was dismissed a year after guiding Liverpool to a title but ultimately faced fan dissatisfaction following a disappointing season in which the club finished fifth. When asked what message he has for the supporters, Iraola emphasized a clear, principled aim: to deliver a team that fans can be proud of.
“I would like to give them a team that they can feel proud of,” he said. He went on to highlight the broader purpose of football at Liverpool, stressing that the sport is about connection. “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, so everyone can be identified and everyone can feel comfortable supporting this team.”
Iraola’s plan centers on building a squad that mirrors Liverpool’s famed work ethic and intensity, while fostering a sense of unity and belonging among players and supporters alike. He envisions a side that embodies the club’s values, both on and off the pitch, and that can withstand the pressures that come with competing at the highest level. As he begins this new chapter, the manager’s focus remains on embracing the city, earning the trust of fans, and guiding Liverpool toward a future defined by resilience, consistency, and a clear, authentic style of play.