Andoni Iraola has said he wants to give Liverpool fans 'a team they can be proud of' as he faced the media for the first time since being appointed head coach. The 44-year-old, who signed a two-year deal last month after three successful seasons at Bournemouth, acknowledged that the team must first inspire the Anfield crowd to receive their vociferous support back.
"I think football and especially Liverpool is about connecting – connecting with the people, connecting with our supporters," he said at his first press conference. "I've been on the other side of it at Anfield. I've experienced the goal that [Federico] Chiesa scored on the first day of last season. You can feel the stadium and I would love to have this every time we play – but that has to come from us, from inside the pitch."
“Andoni Iraola wants to give Liverpool fans a team to be proud of as Jeremy Jacquet takes over a famous shirt.”
Iraola, who managed AEK Larnaca, Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano before Bournemouth, believes he is ready for the challenge of one of the world's biggest clubs. Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season, prompting the sacking of Arne Slot on 30 May. Supporters had bemoaned the team's lack of dynamism, and Iraola said his side must be "intense, aggressive, and vertical" so everyone can identify with the team.
On his shorter-than-usual two-year contract, Iraola was pragmatic: "In terms of coaching contracts – they don't matter a lot. I don't want to be in a place because I have a contract. I signed for two years but it's basically year to year when you are a coach." He also expressed a desire to experience the city: "I'm not going live in my bubble – just at the training ground and home. I would like also to go to the city, experience the city. I know some places I would like to take some pictures of. It's part of the magic of being the Liverpool manager."
As Iraola begins his tenure, the club have also confirmed the shirt number for defender Jeremy Jacquet. The Frenchman takes over a famous shirt from a departed compatriot, the club announced. Iraola's first competitive match will be a test of whether he can restore the intensity and connection that Anfield craves.
