Andoni Iraola has spoken to the media for the first time since becoming Liverpool head coach
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 13: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Andoni Iraola head coach of Liverpool during a press conference at AXA Training Centre on July 13, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola spoke to the media for the first time on Monday in a press conference(Image: Andrew Powell, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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The era of Andoni Iraola has well and truly begun at Liverpool, as he spoke to the media for the first time as the club's head coach. The former Bournemouth manager took the reins at the end of the season, following the dismissal of Arne Slot after the Dutchman's underwhelming second season in charge at Anfield.
Iraola spoke on tactics and philosophy to transfers as he outlined his strategy to steer Liverpool in a new direction. The Basque also broke his silence on the situation surrounding Harvey Elliott.
The young midfielder's future at Anfield has appeared uncertain, but Liverpool's new man at the helm has moved to clarify what the future holds for Elliott.
Meanwhile, a Reds star has commented on a young, promising World Cup star who Liverpool have been linked with in recent weeks. The ECHOtakes a look at the latest news coming out of Anfield.
Iraola on Harvey Elliott
Iraola has commended Elliott's dedication to arriving early for Liverpool's pre-season training. He also anticipates the 23 year old can channel the frustration of last season to drive him forward and reclaim his spot in the Reds' starting XI.
"Definitely! Harvey is here with us," Iraola told the press on Monday. "I have seen him with the eagerness to show up, get super ready, he'll have a chance in pre-season, we'll need him and it's a good sign.
"I hope we can see him in a good place. I think Harvey comes from last season had to be difficult for him, strange situation, they couldn't even play him and I think he uses this experience - the bad situation - to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player."
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 07: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Harvey Elliott 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)
Harvey Elliott is back at Liverpool(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
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Elliott was a consistent fixture under Jurgen Klopp, featuring in the German's squad throughout the closing years of his reign. Following Arne Slot's appointment in the summer of 2024, his opportunities became more limited.
The midfielder secured a loan move to Aston Villa in September 2025. However, despite Villa agreeing a £35million obligation to buy the England international, dependent on him making 10 Premier League appearances for the club, he managed just nine outings for the Midlands outfit.
Reds star makes transfer admission
Liverpool and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has addressed Mexico's Claro Sports regarding the prospect of Gilberto Mora joining the Reds. Tijuana sensation Mora caught the eye for Mexico this summer.
The 18-year-old has attracted attention from numerous leading clubs, including Liverpool. Speaking about Mora, Mac Allister said: "Honestly, I didn't see anything about it. When these things happen, you're always careful what you say, out of respect for the player and the club he belongs to.
"But if they're mentioning him as a possible Liverpool player, he's surely a great player. There's a reason they're mentioning him."
Gilberto Mora
Gilberto Mora impressed at the World Cup(Image: Yair Gonzalez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
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The player's representative, Rafaela Pimenta, stated ahead of the World Cup that Mora would take his time selecting his next destination.
She said: "We're in no rush, but he's developing quickly. We need to study the ideal place for him to develop. At this age, you can't be the best on your team. If you're the best, you have to move to a higher-level team.
"At this age, you shouldn't be the leader; you have to be the kid who looks at the others and says, 'I have to be like them.' I'm going to do everything I can to sell Gilberto for a high price."