Iraola keeps Valverde close as he embraces Liverpool test | OneFootball

Andoni Iraola faces his biggest challenge since becoming a coach, having taken charge at Liverpool. He promises not to deviate from principles forged at Mirandés.

"I learned a lot from Valverde. Everyone asks me about Bielsa. I also played a few games for the national team under Del Bosque. I even played under Vieira towards the end of my career. But if I have to choose one, always Ernesto Valverde." He told The Athletic.

"I think his greatest strength was his common sense. He never made problems bigger than they were. He always understood the players. He was very firm about the things he believed in. But the way he treated footballers, those who played and those who did not, I liked a lot."

Liverpool had long tracked him, even attempting to sign him in the winter window of 2013-14 when he was an established Athletic defender. He stayed at San Mamés. "It was never close because I never wanted to leave Athletic. It was the ideal place. When I went to MLS it was different. I left before becoming a problem for the club."

He also reflected on a shifting Premier League, with a season beginning without a dominant, charismatic figure in the dugout after the departures of Mourinho, Guardiola or Klopp. "Coaches are important to maximise each footballer’s potential and to create the right environment, but when you have been so consistent for so many years like Jürgen and Pep, obviously they are the main protagonists."

Source: as.com