​Andoni Iraola spoke on Monday about wanting to savour the “magic” that comes with being Liverpool’s manager, while making it clear that the role will not fundamentally alter who he is. The former Bournemouth boss is fully aware of the weight the job carries, a reality underscored by the club’s high expectations after Liverpool sacked Arne Slot just a year after he guided the team to the Premier League title. In his first press conference as Liverpool manager, the 44-year-old said: “Until I go through certain experiences I will not fully know, but I’m here to experience those situations, I’m ready for it.” He emphasised his understanding of the scale of the club, noting that everything he says will come under intense scrutiny and that he must avoid careless mistakes, even as he refuses to become overly cautious. “I would like to act quite normal: I’m not going to live in a bubble – just the training ground and home. I also want to explore the city, to know some places,” he added. Yet he stressed that part of the Liverpool magic lies in maintaining a familiar core, insisting he does not intend to change too much.
Liverpool’s campaign last season ended in disappointment, finishing fifth in the Premier League and dropping 12 matches, a fact Iraola acknowledged as he outlined the need to refresh the squad after notable departures, including Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. He noted that two players—centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and winger Victor Munoz—had already been signed, but recognised that more additions would be necessary. “Obviously we’ve signed two players already, but we need more players; we know this,” he said. From a managerial standpoint, Iraola expressed a preference for his squad to start pre-season ready to train, while recognising that football rarely unfolds on a strict timetable. He said he knew the club was diligently pursuing further signings and he intended to support that process in every way.
Beyond the tactical and transfer aspects, Iraola spoke about restoring trust with the club’s supporters, who had grown frustrated by performances under Slot. He expressed a desire to deliver attacking football that had been missing at Anfield since the end of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure in 2024. “I would like to give them a team that they can feel proud of,” he declared. He emphasised a footballing philosophy centred on connection: connecting with the people, connecting with the supporters. For Iraola, Liverpool should be a team defined by hard work, intensity, and a relentless, vertical approach that ensures every player can identify with the club’s ethos and that supporters feel confident backing the team. In short, he aims to rebuild trust through a style of play characterized by commitment, energy, and a clear sense of purpose that reflects the club’s storied identity while adapting to the realities of a highly competitive modern Premier League.