Pablo de la Torre officially joined Andoni Iraola‘s backroom staff at Liverpool this week, and he has made it clear what fans and players can expect from the new head coach.
De La Torre was announced as part of a new-look backroom staff this week, joining coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, and analyst Tom Webber in moving from Bournemouth to Liverpool.
They will be in place for the first day of pre-season next week, setting the tone for what is to come in the weeks and months ahead.
De La Torre has worked with Iraola at AEK Larnaca, Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, and is known as his trusted right-hand man, with a meticulous approach to fitness and conditioning.
AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola following the Premier League match at the City Ground, Nottingham. Andoni Iraola was taking charge of his last match for Bournemouth and set his final mission to secure a place in the Champions League, but they fell agonisingly short. Picture date: Sunday May 24, 2026.
And Liverpool’s new assistant coach has already discussed what life under Iraola will look like, telling AS: “He’s (Iraola) incredibly intelligent, leads by example, and has a rare emotional stability in such a visceral sport.
“From day one, you sense he’s different. His ability to read the game and its needs is almost unique. He filters information so players can digest it easily and apply it every week.
“The key is building a game model and team identity where players truly believe in the coach’s idea.”
After a season of questioning whether the players believed in Arne Slot‘s direction, another rebuild is in the reckoning, and de La Torre explained that players staying fit is of utmost importance.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Friday, March 20, 2026: Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola and assistants Shaun Cooper (left) and Tommy Elphick (right) during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Rebuilding means investing huge amounts of time teaching players a new work system and game model,” he said.
“The ones who grow the fastest usually play a ton of minutes and stay available all season. When they leave, you lose robustness and key pieces who already understood the plan.”
Liverpool identified Iraola as their next head coach due to his intense, ever-evolving and aggressive style, and the messaging from his right-hand man is similar to Jurgen Klopp‘s mentality.
De La Torre added: “He builds brave teams, capable of believing they can beat anyone, even going a full round unbeaten, something only Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea had ever done.”
Iraola oversaw a 16-game Premier League unbeaten run at Bournemouth before his Liverpool move, securing European football for the first time in the Cherries’ history.