Andoni Iraola: Liverpool boss wants to give fans ‘team to be proud of’

Andoni Iraola has said he wants to give Liverpool fans “a team they can be proud of” and that he is ready for the responsibility of such a high-profile job.

The 44-year-old signed a two-year deal with Liverpool last month after three successful seasons at Bournemouth.

Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season, one place ahead of Bournemouth, and Arne Slot was sacked on 30 May.

Supporters at Anfield bemoaned the team’s lack of dynamism last season and the Spaniard acknowledged his side must first inspire the Anfield crowd in order to receive 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 media conference since being appointed.

“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 [Liverpool‘s winner v Bournemouth].

“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 managed AEK Larnaca in Cyprus then Spanish teams Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano before the Cherries, but believes he is prepared for the challenge of one of the world’s biggest clubs.

“I’m ready for it. I understand this is a massive club,” he said.

“Everything I say now is going get the biggest scrutiny. You have to be very aware of the mistakes but I wouldn’t like to be too careful. I would like to act quite normal.

“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 and I would like not to change too much.”