Andoni Iraola has already told his new Liverpool players what to expect next season, and the signing he says the club is working on will only further help him achieve it
16:26, 18 Jul 2026
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool press conference
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool press conference(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola will need to prove himself at Liverpool, with his experience at the top level limited, but it is clear that the new Reds boss has an impressive track record elsewhere.
So far, though it has only been for a small period of time and with a limited pool of senior stars, it appears that the players he has worked with in pre-season like what they have seen.
"I think he showed it in Bournemouth that [he is] an unbelievable coach," Dominik Szoboszlai told club media. "He always competed with us with the most fit team in the Premier League.
"With the intensity, how he wants to play, and the knowledge that he has, I think he's an unbelievable coach. I'm looking forward to playing under him."
Joe Gomez was similarly enthusiastic, detailing the positive mood among those who have returned already this summer. "He seems like a really nice guy," the center-back said.
"I think we're all looking forward to it and we're all excited to have him," Gomez added. "We're all hungry and excited to go."
Iraola during a Liverpool training session
Iraola during a Liverpool training session(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
And while Iraola is yet to manage a game in the Champions League or prove that he can compete for silverware against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, what we do know with relative certainty is his favored style.
Speaking when he first arrived at Anfield, the Liverpool head coach insisted that he didn't want to change that much.
After all, he explained, that was what attracted the Reds' hierarchy to him in the first place. It wouldn't make sense to throw that out of the window for something else.
Liverpool moved away from Arne Slot in part because of a desire to play a more intense style, and that is what Iraola will be tasked with implementing. His Bournemouth side was anything but passive.
Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.
In order to properly play the way that Iraola wants, however, Liverpool needs more numbers. Particularly in attack — an area that Iraola admitted this week was a priority to strengthen — there are not enough options as things stand.
At the Vitality Stadium, it was commonplace for Iraola to switch out his wide forwards on the hour mark, injecting fresh legs and energy on the flanks.
Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha can all play off the left, but at the moment, only Federico Chiesa is a natural from the right, and pace is something he lacks.
Article continues below
Replacing Mohamed Salah directly, of course, is impossible. Adding another quality body in the forward line, though — especially with Hugo Ekitike being out injured — is a must. Without enough bodies, the Iraola plan won't come to fruition.