KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Thursday, May 14, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola poses for an official photocall ahead of his first press conference at the AXA Training Centre. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Thursday, May 14, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola poses for an official photocall ahead of his first press conference at the AXA Training Centre. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Andoni Iraola has outlined his desire to turn Anfield back into a fortress under his management, but the head coach admits “it has to start from the pitch.”
Liverpool became a soft touch both home and away in their second season under Arne Slot, but Iraola is adamant this will change.
Speaking to Stan Sport in one of his first interviews since being appointment as Slot’s replacement, the Spaniard was asked about the style of play he wants to implement.
Iraola plans to employ the same high-intensity attacking football that earned him the job, while harnessing the “massive advantage” of Anfield.
“Obviously if they’ve signed me, there has to be a reason behind it,” he explained.
“I think one of the most important ones was the style of play. I cannot arrive here and now start changing everything and becoming a team that I don’t especially feel.
“I think I have a very clear idea of what I want to do with the team, the direction we have to go towards.
“I think in our case, I want to connect a little bit with the supporters.
“With Anfield I think we have a massive advantage, in terms of the atmosphere we can create – also away, but especially playing at home.
“I would like to build into it and try to create a football team that connects with the people who are watching.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 19, 2023: Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola (R) shakes hands with Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp at the final whistle during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 19, 2023: Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola (R) shakes hands with Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp at the final whistle during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Iraola has been consistent in his desire to connect with the Liverpool supporters, and his early comments since taking over are certainly endearing him to a fanbase who had grown disconnected with Slot at the helm.
The 44-year-old has already experienced Anfield on three occasions while head coach at Bournemouth, and knows that the atmosphere must be led by the performances on the pitch.
“It’s for sure going to be emotional,” he said of his first home game in charge.
“I think this has to be one of our strengths, the connection we have with our supporters.
“But it has to start from the pitch, we have to be a team that they can be proud of. I think in terms of intensity, fight, winning your duels, it’s what people demand.
“It’s what I’ve seen from the outside, and the time I’ve been here it’s what people are demanding.
“We have to be almost perfect in those departments, so we are sure that everyone is going to be with us and we can create this connection where I feel we are going to be difficult to stop.”
Iraola’s words paint a stark contrast to one of Slot’s early interviews in 2024, when he asked Jamie Carragher: “Sometimes you see it the opposite way, that it starts with the fans and then the players come. How is that at Liverpool in your opinion?”
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