Andoni Iraola stood before the cameras at Liverpool's AXA Training Complex on Monday morning and made a promise. "I want to give fans a team that they can be proud of," the 44-year-old said at his first press conference since signing a two-year deal last month. It was a direct appeal to a fanbase that had watched their team limp to fifth in the Premier League last season, culminating in Arne Slot's sacking on 30 May.
Iraola knows what Anfield can sound like. He experienced it from the dugout as Bournemouth manager when Federico Chiesa scored a late winner on the first day of last season. "You can feel the stadium," he recalled. "I would love to have this every time we play – but that has to come from us, from inside the pitch." The Spaniard wants his side to be "intense, aggressive, and vertical" so supporters can identify with them.
“Andoni Iraola says he wants to give Liverpool fans 'a team they can be proud of' and demands more signings.”
But to inspire the crowd, he needs players. Liverpool have already spent £94.5m on centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and left winger Victor Munoz, but Iraola made clear to owners Fenway Sports Group that more are required before the transfer window shuts in September. "We've signed two players already but we need more players," he said. "The club are working on this. As a coach I want the players here from day one, selfishly, but we know it doesn't work like this." Right-back is a priority after Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley endured injury-hit campaigns.
Iraola's planning has been complicated by the World Cup. Alexis Mac Allister is Liverpool's only player still at the tournament, and the manager has already spoken to those who have been eliminated. "I didn't want to disturb them while it was ongoing," he explained. "They deserve a break of three weeks so they can enjoy their time with friends, family." He has used the time to speak with staff and watch the under-21s.
Despite the pressure of managing one of the world's biggest clubs, Iraola insists he is ready. "I understand this is a massive club," he said. He signed a two-year deal – shorter than typical top-level contracts – but said: "I don't want to be in a place because I have a contract. I hope I'm going to stay here a lot more than two years, it will mean I have done a very good job." He also plans to immerse himself in the city: "I would like also to go to the city, experience the city. I know some places I would like to take some pictures of."
Whether Iraola can restore the connection that Anfield craves will depend on the team he builds. For now, he is asking for patience – and time to earn the right to stay.