Liverpool news: New beginnings, high expectations after Andoni Iraola’s first Reds press conference
Andoni Iraola has made his first press appearance in Liverpool red as the Spaniard begins a two-year contract at Anfield.
Iraola spoke to the media on Monday, 13 July for the first time since being announced as Liverpool’s new head coach in late May.
The former Bournemouth boss was recently spotted at the Reds’ under-21 practices, showing a clear dedication to finding his way in this new chapter of his managerial career.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Juliette White takes a look at what Iraola had to say.
Hopes for the Reds
Iraola had no hesitation in sharing his dream for his first season, saying in reference to the fans: “I would like to give them a team that they can feel proud of.
“I think football, and especially Liverpool, for me is about connecting – connecting with the people, connecting with our supporters.”
Later, in relation to the atmosphere at Anfield, Iraola added: “I’ve been on the other side at Anfield.
“You can feel this stadium, and I would love to have this every game we play.”
Understanding his new role
Asked whether or not he fully understands the role he has signed up for, the Spaniard expressed unwavering preparedness: “I want to think I understand.
“Probably until you are not here and until I don’t go through certain experiences, I will not fully know, but I’m here to experience those situations.
“I’m ready for it. I understand this is a massive club.”
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World Cup 2026 impact
With Iraola meeting his new squad in a staggered manner due to the ongoing FIFA World Cup, he admitted: “I think it is what it is. We cannot change it. I think players deserve a break.
“The ones that have been in the World Cup deserve at least three weeks so they can enjoy their time with friends, family, thinking other things. Even physically, some of them need a rest after a very busy season.”
Offering an optimistic outlook, Iraola further stated: “I’m looking at the positives almost, because I’ve had now one week to see every training [session] of the under-21s.
“We’ve had some of the players from the first team willing to come a little bit before, so they are already in a better shape to start.”
Elliot returns to Merseyside
Addressing reports that 23-year-old midfielder Harvey Elliot has been training with the Reds after a disappointing loan stint at Aston Villa last season, Iraola said: “Definitely Harvey is here with us.
“I have seen him with this eagerness of showing himself, getting himself ready again. He will have a chance during the preseason.
“We will need him and it’s a good sign he came one week earlier.”
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Liverpool’s new core principles
Throughout the press conference, the Reds’ new head coach teased fresh tactics for fans to look forward to, such as vertical play, high-pressing, and fast attacking styles.
And Iraola explained: “I think they have to be our core principles.
“I’m looking forward to spending as much time as we can in the opposition half – with the ball, without the ball – because I feel we are closer to scoring than the opposition if that is the situation.”
Two-year contract at Anfield
On his short contract with the Anfield club, the 44-year-old declared: “I always say, in terms of coaching, contracts don’t matter a lot.
“I don’t want to be in a place because I have a contract, because, ‘we are not sure, but you have a contract so we stay.’
“No, it’s like, ‘I think I signed two years, but it’s basically year to year.’
“I hope I can stay here two years – no, a lot more years. It would mean that I’ve done a very good job, but I feel we have to earn [that].
“Managers, we have to earn every year the right to continue, especially in clubs like Liverpool.”
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