The Basque boss has one year left on his contract, and president of football operations Tiago Pinto has said that conversations would happen ‘sooner rather than later’ over renewing his deal.
But Iraola is comfortable with short term contracts, and said: “Yes, I think I've said it a lot of times, I'm very happy here.
“It's the third year, we're starting the third season. But I think it's an important season for me personally also I think it's a big challenge, the one we have ahead.
“I think there have been a lot of changes in the club this summer and for me, my goal, my objective, is to do it very well now with new players, kind of a new squad.
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“And this is what I am focusing on. Then we will have time to discuss other things. But for me as a manager, I think managers is a little bit different from players.
“Players, the contracts are more valuable. With managers it’s like you have to perform, you have to get results, you have to be good. And my focus is right now on that.
“We need to improve because there has been a lot of changes. We need to adapt and integrate a lot of new players. And let's see how we do this process and where we are later on the season.”
Asked again about sitting down to negotiate a new deal, Iraola reiterated: “We will have time.
“We have still one year of contract. Maybe you are wanting to sack me in three months. You never know how football works.
_(Image: Richard Crease)_
“You know, in football with managers there are no guarantees. And for my concern right now is to get the results and to be good, stay out of trouble.
“And this is my concern right now. And if everything goes well, we will have time to discuss for sure.”
He continued: “I've always been comfortable with short term contracts, especially as a manager. I think contracts are not.
“As a player, yes. Because at the end they kind of have to respect your contract. They don't sack players, even if you don't perform normally, you are there and you have another second, third chance and as a manager you have to perform every single season.
“And it’s the only thing that works.”