Former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam has warned new Reds head coach Andoni Iraola that he must "understand the difference" between managing Bournemouth and Liverpool as he prepares for his first season in charge at Anfield.
Iraola's appointment and background
Iraola was appointed earlier this month after Arne Slot was sacked by Liverpool barely 12 months after winning the Premier League title. The Spaniard spent three years at Bournemouth, leading them to European qualification for the first time in their history last season. He spent the vast majority of his playing career at Athletic Bilbao before managerial stints at AEK Larnaca, Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano.
Adam's warning
Adam said: "At the end of the season I was surprised when I saw Slot getting sacked. But when you dive into why, Liverpool lost 20 games last year. So then I'm not surprised." He added: "Iraola impressed me a lot at Bournemouth, the high press, high intensity, incredible sprint distances. He's maximised every single player there. He's got good Premier League experience, which is key. But he's got to understand the difference, at Liverpool, if you draw a game at home, it's tough. I think it's a good appointment."
Premier League landscape
Adam also commented on the broader Premier League: "Arsenal are probably the only real stable top club right now. Man City and Chelsea have both changed their coach, Xabi Alonso coming in at Chelsea. Aston Villa could have a big season. Liverpool will look very different. It's going to be an interesting, brilliant Premier League. A lot of change, and change might be good for all these clubs."
Transfer needs
Liverpool have made their first signing of the Iraola era, triggering Spain international winger Victor Munoz's £34.5million release clause at Osasuna. However, Adam believes more business is needed: "You're probably not going to be able to expect Munoz to replace Mo Salah. Salah's incredible numbers, that's just top level. I still think they need three or four players. It's going to be a very different Liverpool next year, there's going to be a lot of changes."
