Andoni Iraola has revealed the blunt message he received from Liverpool's owners following his appointment, with the Spaniard facing major expectations at Anfield
19:13, 14 Jul 2026
Andoni Iraola speaking during his first press conference as Liverpool boss
Andoni Iraola has opened up on the warning he received from Liverpool's owners(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola has revealed Liverpool’s owners warned him that things are not “perfect” at the club, while the new manager admits he also has plenty to prove in his role at Anfield.
The former Bournemouth manager was appointed to replace the dismissed Arne Slot at the end of last season and knows he faces a huge challenge at one of football’s biggest clubs.
However, Iraola, 44, is confident he can show he is capable of succeeding at the highest level as he begins his first pre-season in charge at Anfield. "I feel like I have a lot of things to prove in terms of I've never coached a club as big as Liverpool", said the Spaniard. "It's a big challenge for me. But there always has to be that first moment.
"My career has been (going) slowly, slowly, you know? Going to a better club, to a better club, then you get a promotion… 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. Once you've gone through this process, and everyone understands that you belong there, everything gets easier, from the players, the supporters, the media, the opposition.
"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."
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 07: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Andoni Iraola head coach of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 07, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola has only signed a two year deal at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Iraola is aware there is plenty of work to be done to restore Liverpool to their former heights following a disappointing season that resulted in Slot’s dismissal, with key figures including Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson also leaving the club.
He added: "When I came here, the owners told me everything is not perfect. 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."
Iraola also explained why he prefers a two-year deal, revealing that the shorter contract length allows both himself and the club to assess progress while keeping the focus on delivering results.
He said: "In terms of coaching contracts - they don't matter a lot. I don't want to be in a place because I have a contract. Because, 'well, we are not sure' - you have a contract so you stay there.... I signed for two years, but it's basically year to year when you are a coach. We have seen a lot of managers who have long contracts, and because they club doesn't want, because they don't want, because.. at the end when you are a player the contract is very important.
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"When you are a manager I feel... you know, if they sack you it will be better because they will pay you a little bit more, or if I haven't worked also it's like... if you're happy I am happy don't worry, I hope I'm going to stay here two years or a lot more years, it will mean I have done a very good job. But I feel we have to earn it. Managers, we have to earn every year the right to continue, especially in clubs like Liverpool but I've done it everywhere. I've done it always like this, yes."