Andoni Iraola: “The Club Is Working Hard To Get New Signings” – Press Conference Quotes & Reaction | OneFootball

New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola held his first press conference on Monday, where he discussed Liverpool’s transfer plans, tactical philosophy and ambitions ahead of the new season.

The 44-year-old, who hails from the Basque region of Spain, made the switch from Bournemouth to Anfield after Arne Slot was relieved of his duties earlier this summer. 

Despite boasting an impressive track record, Iraola hasn’t yet managed a club of the size of the Reds to date, and this will undoubtedly be the biggest eye-opener for the new boss.

The Andoni Iraola Era Begins! | Redmen Originals Podcast

In what appeared to be a message to the supporters, Iraola stated his wish to create a team which Liverpool supporters could “feel proud of” and “feel comfortable” supporting. He also said that the incredible atmosphere within the ground must first come from “inside the pitch”.

When discussing transfers, Andoni stated that the “club is working hard to get new signings”, suggesting the two already-confirmed signings – Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz – will not be the last arrivals at Kirby. He also told reporters that he has spoken with players that have exited the World Cup, stating he held “good talks” with the players. He also explained how he used his first weeks in the job to “talk with people who work here every day” as they are important for creating “a good environment so our players can perform to the maximum.”

The Spanish coach also expressed his excitement to “experience the city”, and he will not live in a “bubble”, echoing the approach previously taken by Jürgen Klopp, who fully embraced life in the city, even earning the Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2022.

Iraola also made it clear his style of play may slightly alter, as he said, “This is Liverpool. We will have to change some things tactically” but the core principles will remain the same, as he admits he was signed because “they [Richard Hughes] want a lot of things that I was doing at other clubs”. He wishes to remain “as natural as possible.” The former Bournemouth manager also explained that he would “prefer to face a low block” as “we’re in control”. He also revealed that the players “already know what we are going to demand in terms of the style.”

Whilst some people would view an arrival at a new club following a World Cup as a challenge and an early obstacle, Iraola believes it has created a unique opportunity to assess the unknown prodigies as he has “had one week to see the under-21s,” an opportunity which seldom arrives for managers. He also announced that academy players will get “more minutes” as a result than they otherwise would in pre-season with the senior team, describing this period as a good opportunity to find “good information.”

When asked about Harvey Elliott’s future at the club, Andoni said that he will “definitely… have a chance in pre-season”. He also recognised Harvey’s unsuccessful loan spell at Aston Villa, which he believes has only made him “more eager to be a Liverpool player.” Harvey arrived at Kirby one week earlier than scheduled, a decision Iraola viewed as a “good sign.”

The new head coach also outlined his expectations for this season following the departure of “very important players” who have “won everything with the club” whilst also coping with cases of Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike who will all “miss some time”. He named the three as “long-term solutions” to problems within the squad, but now he says he must find “solutions to this.”

Andoni Iraola’s First Press Conference as Liverpool Head Coach

The Spaniard was also questioned on the difficult work, as last season his Bournemouth side only faced 40 competitive games whilst Liverpool faced 57. In response, he stated that it will be a “big challenge, big change” but it will also act as a “great opportunity for the players” as he will have the “chance to use more players. However, he also highlighted that “we have to get ready in terms of squad depth”, suggesting the Spaniard does not yet feel his squad is fully assembled.

Finally, Iraola also addressed only signing a two-year contract at the club, as unlike other top sides who willingly hand out longer contracts, Iraola agreed to a shorter initial contract than is typically offered by Europe’s biggest clubs. He believes that he has to “earn” the right to stay longer at a club like Liverpool and that generally “contracts don’t matter a lot,” as “we have seen a lot of managers with a long contract and the clubs don’t want them”. He also included his wish to “stay here more years; it would mean that I’ve done a very good job.”

Redmen Reacts – Dan

Whilst it may not have had the power or the soundbites of Jurgen’s first presser as Reds boss, this was a man full of poise, confidence and an inner belief in his philosophies. Lots to like. 

Liverpool return to action against Sunderland on 25th July in Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States, where supporters worldwide will get the first glimpse of Iraola’s era.