Iraola: Every word will be scrutinized at Liverpool, squad needs more signings

Hupu Football News | July 13

Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola held his first press conference as head coach at the AXA Training Centre.

Reporter: First, what message do you want to convey to the fans right now about the style of play they can expect and what you hope to build at Liverpool?

Iraola: That's a good first question. I hope to give them a team they can be proud of. I think football, especially for me at Liverpool, is about connection—connecting with people, connecting with our supporters. I've felt it firsthand from the opposite sideline.

I always say that goal Chiesa scored in the first game last season, you could really feel the atmosphere in the whole stadium, and I want that every game. But that has to come from us, from within. We have to be a well-known team: hardworking, high intensity, aggressive, direct vertically.

That way everyone can find a sense of identity, and everyone can feel comfortable supporting this team.

Reporter: On that point, what do you think the squad still needs in terms of signings?

Iraola: Yes, obviously we've signed two players, but we need more. We all know that, and the club is working on it.

As a coach, I selfishly want all the players to be here from day one, ready to train from preseason, but we also understand football doesn't always work that way.

I know the club is working hard to complete those signings, and I'm obviously doing my best to help.

Reporter: At the same time, what conversations have you had to assess the current squad? Have you spoken with Slot about last season? Have you also talked to players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, given they only have 12 months left on their contracts?

Iraola: Yes, I've especially spoken with the players who were at the World Cup, particularly those who have finished their World Cup campaigns and are enjoying their holidays. While the World Cup was still ongoing, I didn't want to disturb them. But I think our conversations have been very pleasant.

At the same time, I've used these two weeks before officially starting first-team training to have many conversations with people who work here every day. They are the ones helping me create what I believe is a good environment for our players to perform, or rather, for us to maximize their abilities.

Reporter: You mentioned talking to people around the club. Do you understand what it means to be Liverpool manager?

Iraola: I think I do. Maybe I won't fully grasp it until I'm actually in it and experience certain specific things. But I'm here to experience that. I'm ready. I understand this is a huge club. From now on, every word I say will be scrutinized heavily.

You have to be very aware of your mistakes, but I don't want to become overly cautious either. I want to stay quite natural. Tony and I were just talking about this—I won't just live in my own bubble, only going between the training ground and home.

I also want to walk around the city and feel it. I know there are places I have to go take photos, I have to do that, but that's part of the charm of being Liverpool manager. I don't want to change too much.

Source: YouTube

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