Iraola cites Athletic roots on Liverpool arrival, targets intensity and connection | OneFootball

Andoni Iraola has been appointed by Liverpool to revive Anfield after a trophyless season that ended with Arne Slot’s dismissal. He has promised to bring back the tempo and edge the side lacked.

He stressed he does not want to lose their identity, highlighting intensity, aggression and organisation as constants in his teams. He said this on the club’s website.

On first addressing supporters as head coach, he called Liverpool a special club because of its people and their passion, even among those less interested in football. He added that his experience at Athletic Club can help him relate to that culture from the inside.

Iraola captained Athletic and played more than 500 matches, so he knows how Bilbao lives the game. He believes Liverpool fans demand a connection with their club, something Jurgen Klopp had and Slot did not, and he is ready to take on that challenge.

He said the job gives him the chance to work with top players, which in turn offers the chance to compete for and win titles. He accepted that on arrival he cannot promise everything, but he understands where he is coming from and what is expected.

He also told supporters he wants to become one of them and earn that right so they can enjoy together. On day one he referenced his family, the people who have improved him as a coach, and Usurbil, a very small working-class town outside San Sebastián.

Source: El Correo