Andoni Iraola has described his football style as closer to Jurgen Klopp‘s than Arne Slot‘s, though he insisted it is no disparagement of his predecessor.
Iraola was targeted as Liverpool’s next head coach for his footballing philosophy, which is intense, direct and demands high pressing.
It is a style that Klopp brought to Anfield and Slot moved away from, preferring control over chaos.
And in an interview with Steven Gerrard on TNT Sports, Iraola explained that the German is a closer representation of his style than Slot.
“Probably closer to Jurgen, I would say,” Iraola said when asked whose approach more closely mirrored his.
“But I loved a lot of the things that the team had with Arne also,” he insisted.
He added: “We need to keep being vertical, keep attacking, keep sometimes taking some risks, but I wouldn’t like to lose the good things that our players have also.”
A significant parallel between Klopp and Iraola is the recognition of the supporters’ role and how the team can create a symbiotic relationship built on understanding and connection.
“I always tell the players, the fans have to feel that if they were in your position, they would do exactly the same as you are doing,” the Spaniard said.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Liverpool supporters on the Spion Kop sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1 and became League Champions. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Liverpool supporters on the Spion Kop sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1 and became League Champions. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“The fans probably cannot put a free-kick in the top corner, but they are thinking: ‘If I was there, I would give everything, I would follow every ball, I would attack the spaces, I would press, I would hit the ball, I would win the seconds’.
“We have to do all those basics well. When the fans feel this, and they are trying, and they are giving everything, it keeps the team closer to the fans.
“When you create this connection, I think we are going to be much, much better. We have to do our part, because I’m sure if we do our part, the other side will be there.”
Iraola all but confirms Lewis Koumas will stay at Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola gives final instructions to substitute Lewis Koumas (L) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola gives final instructions to substitute Lewis Koumas (L) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Lewis Koumas has attracted interest for another loan move this season, but his positive contribution in pre-season and his cameo at Newcastle opened the door to having a role in Iraola’s attack.
When asked by Gerrard if any player had surprised him or jumped out as a potential option since he arrived at the club, the head coach all but confirmed the Wales international would be staying put.
“Lewis Koumas, I think he’s going to be a big help for us, because he can play basically everywhere in the attacking positions. I also love his attitude,” Iraola said.
He also described Trey Nyoni as “an incredible player,” and added on other youngsters: “There’s still a lot more players that are still not ready for the first team, but I see a football player there.”
Koumas, 20, has a natural enthusiasm to play for his boyhood club and that attitude can only be infectious as Iraola plots out a successful first season at Anfield.
Speaking after his Premier League debut, Koumas didn’t hide his ambitions for the campaign, saying: “I think I can help impact games as well in this league.
“You know, it’s nice to get my debut, but ultimately I want to go on and score goals and try to impact where we can finish in the league.”
Bradley BARCOLA of France celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group I match between France and Senegal at MetLife Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport)
Bradley BARCOLA of France celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group I match between France and Senegal at MetLife Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 12
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha (L) and Ryan Gravenberch during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v Como 1907
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola on the bench before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)