Andoni Iraola will be eager to impress his style on Liverpool after being appointed as the club's new head coach. The 43-year-old Basque has forged a solid reputation with his former clubs, Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, and all eyes are on the changes he will bring to Anfield.
Iraola's Similar Rule to Slot
While Iraola's direct and aggressive style of play has been celebrated and is expected to be unleashed at Anfield, little is known about his behind-the-scenes approach. Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who was sacked earlier this month, was famously championed for introducing a calm approach after nine years of Jurgen Klopp's heavy-metal football. Now, Iraola has made a remark that aligns him with Slot regarding how he will treat his players behind closed doors.
In a video released by the club titled Andoni Iraola: The First Day, the Spanish head coach is seen touring the Kirkby-based training centre. Upon entering the dressing area, Iraola stated: "I try not to come because I know the players, they think of it as a safe space." His comments echo those of Slot, who, during his arrival in the summer of 2024, said he wanted players to express themselves freely without his constant presence.
Slot had remarked: "Me being in here, you wouldn't see that that much. Maybe not at all is a bit too much, maybe to call someone and say 'could you come up with me.' But after the session, they should talk about us, me, in here, with all the freedom they have, instead of being afraid that I constantly walk around."
While Iraola will undoubtedly bring his own unique style to the club, fans will be intrigued to hear that he harbours similar ideas as the Premier League-winning Dutchman.
Iraola's First Transfer Target
According to talkSPORT, the first transfer of Iraola's reign could be Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. The report states that "noise is growing" around the 23-year-old's future, with his links to Liverpool described as "one to watch." Concerns over the form of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister last season have led the Liverpool hierarchy to take an interest in Scott. Bournemouth are reportedly eager to tie the talented playmaker down to a new contract, but Scott is a player that Iraola knows well from their time together at the Vitality Stadium.
In quotes that will only fuel transfer speculation, Scott praised Iraola ahead of the Spaniard's unveiling at Liverpool: "What can Liverpool expect from Iraola? He is obviously a great manager. You see what we have done as a club at Bournemouth and how we have progressed over the three seasons he was with us. I think the way we press out of possession is very aggressive, maybe similar to the early Klopp teams Liverpool had, that fierce aggressiveness and pressing with the wingers. I would say he is similar to that. Liverpool fans should definitely be so excited. He has done a lot for me personally."
As Iraola prepares to take the reins at Anfield, his alignment with Slot's dressing room philosophy and his potential first signing signal an intriguing new chapter for Liverpool.
