Andoni Iraola met with the media for the first official time since becoming the new Liverpool manager. He spoke on a variety of topics, including his style of play, finding replacements for departed players, and what it means to be the manager of Liverpool Football Club.
Style Of Play
When Iraola was coaching at Bournemouth last season, he primarily used a 4-2-3-1 tactical approach. This was the same formation Arne Slot used for the latter half of last season with varying degrees of success. The good thing is that returning players will be familiar with the setup. The formation is also versatile enough to accommodate Iraola’s more aggressive, attacking
“I would like to give them a team that they can feel proud of,” Iraola said. “I think football, and especially Liverpool, for me is about connecting, connecting with the people, connecting with our supporters. I've been in the other side at Anfield. I've experienced, I always say, the goal that [Federico] Chiesa scored in the first game of the past season, where you can feel this stadium – and I would love to have this every game we play. And it has to come from us from inside the pitch, and we have to be a team that works hard, [is] intense, aggressive, vertical so everyone can be identified, everyone can feel comfortable supporting this team.”
Retooling And Revamping The Roster
It’s no secret that Liverpool will look different to start this season than in the past. Club legends Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have moved on. But the top brass has done a good job bringing in rising stars like Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet. And I’m sure more moves will be made throughout the upcoming season. Pair that with the rising stars already on the team, such as Rio Ngumoha, and there is a lot to look forward to.
“Obviously we've signed two players already, but we need more players – we know this,” Iraola said. “The club is working on this. Me as a coach, selfishly, you want the players here [on] day one, ready to train from the pre-season, but we understand that football doesn't work like this. I know the club is working hard to get those signings, and I'm trying, obviously, to help also. I've spoken especially with all the players that have been in the World Cup, especially the ones that have already been eliminated and are enjoying their holidays. I didn't want to disturb them or bother them while the World Cup was ongoing, but I think I've [had] very good conversations. I'm also using these couple of weeks I've had, before we start properly the first-team trainings, to talk with a lot of people that work every day here, and those are the ones that are helping me create, I think, a good environment so our players can perform and, let's say, we can maximise their abilities.”
The Weight Of Expectations,
Iraola knows that being the boss at a big club like Liverpool comes with a lot of pressure and expectations. He also admits that you really can’t understand until a person is in that position.
“Yeah, I want to think I understand. Probably until you are not here and until I don't go through certain experiences, I will not fully know,” Iraola said. “But I'm here to experience those situations. I'm ready for it. I understand this is a massive club. Everything that I'm going to say now it's going to go to big scrutiny. You have to be very aware of the mistakes, but I wouldn't like also to be too careful. I would like to act quite normal. I'm not going to live in my bubble – just training ground, home. I would also like to go to the city, experience the city. I know some places I will have to take some pictures. But it's part also of the magic of being the Liverpool manager, and I would not like to change too much.”
LFC Globe Verdict
As introductory pressers go, this was a solid one. Iraola said all the right things and obviously has a deep respect for the club’s prominence and rich history. I, for one, am looking forward to the upcoming season and seeing the club in person on their USA Tour in Nashville, Tennessee. I will be on site to provide live updates, analysis, and a match report, along with attending the post-match press conference with Iraola and select players. So stay tuned to LFC Globe throughout the preseason and the entire campaign.
Have Your Say
What did you think of Andoni Iraola’s introductory press conference? Were you impressed, or was it all just typical coach speak? Let us know below.