Andoni Iraola has said he wants to give Liverpool fans “a team they can be proud of” as he prepares for his first season as head coach – a campaign that has already received a major boost with Dominik Szoboszlai close to signing a new long-term contract.
Speaking at his first press conference since being appointed last month, the 44-year-old Spaniard acknowledged the need to reconnect with supporters after a difficult final season under Arne Slot, who was sacked on 30 May after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League – one place above Iraola’s former side Bournemouth.
“Andoni Iraola aims to reconnect with fans as Szoboszlai agrees new long-term Liverpool contract”
“I think football and especially Liverpool is about connecting – connecting with the people, connecting with our supporters,” Iraola said. “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. We have to be a team that works hard – is intense, aggressive, and vertical – so everyone can identify and everyone can feel comfortable supporting this team.”
Iraola, who signed a two-year deal with Liverpool in June after announcing in April he would leave Bournemouth, having led the Cherries to their first European qualification, said he is ready for the responsibility. “Everything I say now is going to get the biggest scrutiny,” he added. “I’m not going to live in my bubble – just at the training ground and home. I would like also to go to the city, experience the city.”
That task has been made easier by the expected commitment of Hungary captain Szoboszlai. The 25-year-old midfielder, Liverpool’s best performer last season, has two years remaining on his current deal and had expressed frustration over the lack of progress on an extension. After months of negotiations between Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, and Szoboszlai’s representatives, the terms of a new contract have been agreed in principle, with the former RB Leipzig player – who cost £60m in 2023 and scored 13 goals last season – poised to sign. Szoboszlai has been tipped as a future Liverpool captain, and his renewed commitment is a significant development for Iraola ahead of his first campaign.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Jacquet has taken over a famous shirt number from a departed compatriot as Liverpool begin the Iraola era, the club confirming the defender’s new squad number.
Iraola, who signed a two-year contract – shorter than typical at elite level – insisted the length does not matter. “I don’t want to be in a place because I have a contract,” he said. “I signed for two years but it’s basically year to year when you are a coach.”