Andoni Iraola is uniquely equipped to appreciate Liverpool’s Scouse heartbeat after being born and raised in Athletic Bilbao’s renowned culture.
Liverpool’s new head coach emphasised the importance of connection during his first press conference and later made a point to note Curtis Jones‘ local roots.
“It’s very important that he’s Scouse, that he’s from here,” Iraola told reporters as he discussed the midfielder’s future and his desire to see the No. 17 stay at Anfield.
This awareness of maintaining the club’s Scouse connection was not lost on the new boss. It is a particularly encouraging stance, and one that likely stems from Iraola’s experience at Athletic Bilbao.
Andoni Iraola grew up with Athletic Bilbao’s blueprint
25.09.2010, San Mames, Bilbao, ESP, Primera Division, Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona, im Bild Atletic de Bilbao's Andoni Iraola (l) and FC Barcelona's Adriano Correia during La Liga match. EXPA Pictures © 2010, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ Alterphotos/ Acero +++++ ATTENTION - OUT OF SPAIN / ESP +++++
25.09.2010, San Mames, Bilbao, ESP, Primera Division, Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona, im Bild Atletic de Bilbao's Andoni Iraola (l) and FC Barcelona's Adriano Correia during La Liga match. EXPA Pictures © 2010, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ Alterphotos/ Acero +++++ ATTENTION - OUT OF SPAIN / ESP +++++
The 44-year-old was born in the Basque Country of Spain and grew up playing youth football alongside the likes of Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso, before he joined Athletic’s academy.
Iraola progressed through the ranks and established himself as a club legend, playing 12 seasons for a club that has a strict policy on its playing squad.
Bilbao is a city in the Basque Country, in the northern region of Spain. Only players of the area’s heritage or those who have come through an academy in the region are allowed to play for the club.
First introduced in 1911, it is designed to preserve the club’s unique regional identity and foster local talent, in turn creating an unwavering bond between the players and the supporters.
It restricts the talent they can pursue in the transfer window, but it preserves an identity they have carefully protected for decades.
It is no surprise, then, that Iraola can appreciate and understand the importance of having Scouse representation in the squad.
At a time when modern footballers and supporters are growing further apart due to fewer commonalities, the significance of local connection has only grown.
Liverpool have a proud and renowned academy that has blooded world-class talent, and knowing one of your own is on the pitch helps foster and maintain a proud heritage.
The manager plays a key role in making it a possibility, and that the Spaniard has voiced his desire to embed himself in the city is heartening.
“I’m not going to live in my bubble – just training ground, home,” he said. “I would like to go to the city, experience the city. I know some places, and I will have to take some pictures.
“But it’s also part of the magic of being the Liverpool manager.”
While the Reds are certainly not Athletic Bilbao, that Iraola arrives with an appreciation for homegrown talent suggests Liverpool’s Scouse identity is in safe hands.
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Football – Pre-Seaosn – Liverpool USA Tour Day 2
CHICAGO, USA - Tuesday, July 21, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during a press conference at the Endeavor Health Performance Center in Chicago ahead of the start of the club's pre-season tour of America. The team play friendly games in Nashville, New York and Chicago as they prepare for the start of the new 2026/27 Premier League season. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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