Liverpool's new coach Andoni Iraola revealed his vision for the team during his first press conference after taking over the task.
Liverpool Club announced the appointment of the Spaniard Andoni Iraola as the team's technical director, succeeding the Dutchman Arne Slot last June.
Iraola said at the press conference: "I want to present the fans with a team they can be proud of. Football in Liverpool for me is based on connection, connection with the fans and with the city".
He added: "I have played at Anfield before as a rival, and you feel the energy of the stadium. I remember Federico Chiesa's goal in the first match of last season, it was an amazing feeling. I want us to live this in every match, and that must come from our performance on the pitch".
He continued: "We must be a team that works hard, plays fiercely and with intensity, so that everyone feels a sense of belonging to this team".
Regarding the transfer market, he said: "We have already signed players but we need more. The club is working on that, and as a coach I wish the players were here from day one, but football doesn't work that way".
He explained: "I spoke with the players, especially those who participated in the World Cup. I didn't want to disturb them during the tournament, but there were good conversations".
He continued: "I am using the current period to talk with the staff and club employees, in order to create an environment that helps the players deliver their best".
The Spanish coach pointed out: "I realize the size of Liverpool, and everything I say will be scrutinized. But I don't want to be overly cautious, I want to act naturally and live the atmosphere of the city".
He added: "I spoke with the players about what can be changed. They know my style, but we will need time to adapt. I ask them about the positions they prefer, and then I will make my decisions through training".
He touched on the preparation period: "The players need rest after the World Cup. I look at the positives, I followed the training of the under-21 team, and there are players who returned early, and this will help me get to know them".
He confirmed: "We will give opportunities to young players during the preparation period, to get to know them better".
He spoke about Harvey Elliott, saying: "He has a great desire to prove himself, and he will get an opportunity during the preparation period. Last season was difficult for him but he came back stronger".
He stressed: "I will try to be myself, I know I will make mistakes sometimes, but the most important thing is to be honest with the players".
Regarding his style, he said: "I will not change my identity. I was hired because of what I presented before, and I will maintain the same philosophy on and off the pitch".
Iraola concluded his statements: "We are going through a difficult phase with the departure of big players and influential injuries such as Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni. We will look for solutions to compensate for them in the coming period".
The 43-year-old Iraola will take charge of the team starting from the 2026-27 season until the summer of 2028.
Iraola began his football career as a right-back during 12 seasons and played more than 500 matches with Athletic Bilbao.
He ended his career with New York City in the United States in 2015 and 2016 and made only 7 international appearances for the Spain national team.
He began his coaching career in 2018 by coaching AEK Larnaca and won the Cypriot Super Cup.
This was followed by coaching Rayo Vallecano and leading the team to qualify for La Liga in 2020.
In 2023 he took over Bournemouth in England and last season caught the eye after leading the team to qualify for a European competition for the first time in its history.
He also led Bournemouth to sixth place after a run of 18 consecutive matches without defeat in the Premier League, the club's best-ever position.
Iraola became the second Spanish coach to lead the Reds after his compatriot Rafael Benítez, who managed the team from 2004 to 2010.
Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season and will play in the Champions League next season.
