All eyes are on just what changes Andoni Iraola will bring to Liverpool. The 43-year-old Basque forged a solid reputation with his former clubs, Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth.
While his direct and aggressive style of play has been celebrated and is expected to be unleashed at Anfield, little is known about what he will do behind the scenes.
Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who was sacked earlier this month, was famously championed for introducing a calm approach at the club after nine years of Jurgen Klopp’s heavy-metal approach.
Today’s latest sees Iraola make a remark that appears to align him with Slot, however, when it comes to how he will treat his players behind closed doors. Elsewhere, the Spaniard is said to have identified the first transfer target of his Liverpool reign.
Iraola’s position on the function of the Liverpool dressing room at their Kirkby-based training centre appears to be the same as his predecessor. In a video released by the club, Andoni Iraola: The First Day, the Spanish head coach is seen taking in the surroundings of his new base.
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Upon walking into the dressing area, Iraola states: “I try not to come because I know the players, they think of it as a safe space.”
His comments eerily echo those of former boss Slot. When the Dutchman toured the training ground upon his arrival in the summer of 2024, he said he wanted the players to express themselves in the room without looming over them.
View 3 ImagesAndoni Iraola had a good look around Liverpool’s training centre(Image: Liverpool FC)
“Me being in here, you wouldn’t see that that much,” Slot said. “Maybe not at all is a bit too much, maybe to call someone and say ‘could you come up with me’.
“But after the session, they should talk about us, me, in here, with all the freedom they have, instead of being afraid that I constantly walk around.”
While Iraola will no doubt bring his own unique style to the club, fans will be intrigued to hear that he harbours similar ideas as the Premier League-winning Dutchman.
The first transfer of Iraol’s reign could possibly be Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. According to talkSPORT, “noise is growing” around the 23-year-old’s future with his links to Liverpool “one to watch”.
The report says that concerns over the form of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister last season have led the Liverpool hierarchy to take an interest in Scott. While Bournemouth are reportedly eager to tie the talented playmaker down to a new contract, it claims that he “is a player that Iraola knows well.”
View 3 ImagesAlex Scott of Bournemouth(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
In quotes that will only add fuel to the fire of a potential transfer, Scott praised Iraola ahead of the Spaniard’s unveiling at Liverpool. He said: “What can Liverpool expect from Iraola? He is obviously a great manager.
“You see what we have done as a club at Bournemouth and how we have progressed over the three seasons he was with us.
“I think the way we press out of possession is very aggressive, maybe similar to the early Klopp teams Liverpool had, that fierce aggressiveness and pressing with the wingers. I would say he is similar to that. Liverpool fans should definitely be so excited. He has done a lot for me personally.”
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