New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has addressed Michael Edwards' departure from FSG and how it could impact his plans for the summer transfer window
Paul Gorst Liverpool FC correspondent
07:32, 14 Jul 2026
Andoni Iraola speaks at first press conference as Liverpool head coach
Andoni Iraola speaks at first press conference as Liverpool head coach(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola insists the forthcoming departure of Fenway Sports Group's CEO of football, Michael Edwards, will not hinder his prospects of achieving success at Liverpool.
The new head coach has also disclosed that the club's American proprietors have acknowledged to him that they recognise "everything is not perfect" at present at Anfield, as he intensifies his pre-season preparations at the AXA Training Centre this week.
It emerged on Friday that the Reds' former sporting director Edwards would be relinquishing his role with FSG following a two-year tenure. The ownership group's shift away from establishing a multi-club structure under their control left the executive believing his responsibilities with the Boston-based organisation had been fulfilled.
Iraola, who penned a two-year contract to replace Arne Slot last month, maintains that Edwards' departure will not directly affect his daily responsibilities overseeing the team, acknowledging his primary focus lies in assembling the strongest possible squad this summer alongside current sporting director Richard Hughes.
"No, I have to be honest," Iraola said when asked about Edwards leaving. "I'm focused on my job which is a massive one in terms of getting ready to start working with the players, trying to find the best spot for a player, trying to create a collective atmosphere where they can perform, and in my everyday, I'm more worried about transfers.", reports the Liverpool Echo.
"I talk to Richard Hughes, I talk to (FSG president) Mike Gordon, I talked to Michael Edwards – in the times I've spoken to him he seems super-smart - so it is unfortunate he's not going to continue with us but he's explained very well his decision and his reasons.
"I think it's more at ownership level than something that is going to effect the coach."
Iraola continued: "I feel like I have a lot of things to prove in terms of I've never coached a club as big as Liverpool. So, it's a big challenge for me.
"But there always has to be that first moment. My career has been slowly, slowly, you know?"
Michael Edwards is leaving Liverpool
Michael Edwards is leaving Liverpool(Image: Robin Jones, Getty Images)
"Going to a better club, to a better club, then you get a promotion, or the La Liga, then Premier League, then you get to a better class.
"So, I've experienced this kind of change of goals or coaching in a bigger club, and there is always a time where I say: 'You have to prove that you belong'.
"And this is the first month for me now. It's like, I need to prove myself, and get everyone to know that I belong here. That I have the level to stay here. That I have the level to coach Liverpool, and that's my challenge short term, you know?".
"Once you've gone through this process, and everyone understands that you belong there, everything gets easier. I think from the players, the supporters, the media, the opposition, but you have to go through this process.
"This always happens. I trust myself a lot, and I think I'm ready for the challenge that I know is very big. When I came here, the owners told me everything is not perfect.
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"They said we would have some challenges, we would have to replace important players leaving, we have some injuries, but we are here to solve these kinds of problems and to try to maximize what we have. In my opinion, we have a very good squad."